In the work place, there are many different people, with many different personalities and many different beliefs/opinions. As a Christian, I am to be set apart from the rest of the world. You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure Deuteronomy 14:2. I am in this world but shouldn’t be like it. I don’t want to fit in, I’m meant to stand out and represent Christ!
Years ago, I had a boss that had said to me on more than one occasion, “there is just something different about you!” They weren’t sure what it was, but I knew that it was because I was drippin’ in the blood of Jesus! I had the light of the Holy Spirit radiating through me. It was because I represent Christ! I totally believe that God places you at certain jobs in certain seasons of your life for a reason. There is probably someone He needs you to reach in that place that no one else can reach but you! So, let’s start reminding ourselves of our greatest purpose, which is to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
So, I’m going to provide you with a few tips that I’ve done for years to remind myself and others who I am, a Christian, child of God, Jesus Freak, disciple of Christ, daughter of the one true king… you get my point!
- Wear something that is a symbol/represents Christ. I’ve worn many different things like cross earrings, bracelets, necklaces, ID badge holders and I love Jesus pins. Sometimes I wore many at once, (the comment “How many crosses are you gonna wear” confirmed they received the message lol). I like doing this because it’s something that can catch someone’s eye and get their attention. I’ve had conversations sparked about my faith because of a compliment I received about what I was wearing! I started getting coworkers that would ask me to say a prayer for them just because they saw me wearing my I love Jesus pin lol.
- Speak openly, have no shame in your game, shout His name! My coworkers know that I have no issue calling on His name at work. As a matter of fact, they ask me to call on His name for them! They know that He has helped us get through some crazy shifts. I frequently praise Him and thank Him throughout my shift. I will openly call myself a Jesus Freak. It’s to the point that I don’t even have to announce my faith myself! I had a coworker introduce me to a new employee and her exact words were “this is Larissa, she loves Jesus.”
- Don’t get involved in work place drama or gossip, stay away! A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers Proverbs 20:19. Don’t get caught up in what other people are doing, mind your business and do your job! Remember your job is to represent Christ, not to behave recklessly or run your mouth. Control your tongue. Sometimes listening to worship music during my shift helps to keep me focused and reminds me who I’m representing!
- Be true to yourself, let your real personality shine through! People can sense authenticity. I ask God to use my lightheartedness and humor to minister to others. I don’t wanna be a fake or a fraud. My coworkers know that I’m not perfect, but I also hope they see that God loves me even with my imperfections and that every day I try to live right by Him. They’ve witnessed me stumble and have been around while God has helped me back up. They have described me as having a calm soul. Confident in my faith, welcoming, warm but with a bit of humor.
- Most importantly, radiate love, kindness and peace! Your attitude and interaction with others will definitely leave an impression. I work with many people who have different beliefs than I do. However, that doesn’t have to cause strife between us. Always choose to communicate lovingly while standing firm in your faith. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare Proverbs 15:1. I don’t treat people differently just because we disagree with each other’s values or beliefs. One of my coworkers expressed that I express my faith in a non-condescending way to those who believe differently.
At the end of the day, as Christians, we have a job to do! We are to go out and share the good news of Jesus Christ! Represent Christ every day. In John 13:34-35, Jesus tell the disciples to love each other like He loved them. I encourage you to follow this command because He says our love for one another proves to the world who we belong to! Throwing the bible at people (in a nasty way) isn’t going to make them want to turn to Christ. The example we set forth with our lives may help them look to Jesus for themselves!
