How should my faith affect my work life?
Are you a Sunday Christian? This may sound like a strange question, but in so many ways it reflects how many Christians conduct themselves.
Religion, or more importantly one’s faith, is something demonstrated or practised only at church on Sundays. Perhaps, however, we should extend that parameter and include our life of prayer away from the formal church environment. So, to rephrase the question, are you a Christian who only practices your faith at church and in the privacy of your own prayerful existence at home?
The primary question is, however, do you practice your faith in the work environment? Now, some people might state that they demonstrate a prayerful life at their place of employment. That sounds rather great, but is it actually practical? It would, of course, depend on their occupation.
The idea of a Bible study during a retail transaction is rather ridiculous. The key point, however, of the topic of the impact of one’s faith on the workplace is not often applied to one’s attitude and deportment. Better still, the interpersonal relationships that one carries out with both the public and one’s fellow workers does provide an area where faith could be demonstrated.
The Christian attitude is something that really needs examining. This is very present in a secular society that is quick to judge Christians on their conduct. This certainly holds true for those who preach to others in a confrontational manner.
So, let’s rephrase the question: can we as Christians extend our faith to our work environment? The answer is most certainly yes! But how do we do this in a way that does not thrust our faith into the face of others? The answer to this lies in the fundamental practices and conduct of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The essence of the Gospels is respect, compassion and kindness. These traits, demonstrated sincerely and straightforwardly, go far to enhance relationships with others. Kindness conquers all and in fact builds a sense of community. It is the Christian way. One does not have to overtly display their faith through obvious evangelism but rather through the most simple of human interactions, respect.
In my former life as a high school teacher for 35 years, I encountered from time to time individuals who would identify as Christians, yet their actions were selfish, self-righteous and downright mean. I would call these people Sunday Christians. It does, however, make one theorize on how these people would conduct themselves in their place of worship.
If our hearts are truly directed towards God, then instinctively our actions will be a manifestation of kindness and compassion. It often is the small things and little charitable actions that have the greatest impact on building a faith community — even in the workplace! God is love and our faith and actions must reflect this very essence of Christianity.
I invite you to try it and see for yourself how charity and kindness can change our world and just maybe bring others to the beauty of the Christian life.