Should a Christian ‘stretch the truth’ to save the company from embarrassment or loss? Does being a peacemaker mean taking the ‘safe side’, ‘not rocking the boat’, or avoiding contentious issues? Does ‘rendering to Caesar’ in the workplace include championing the organisation’s goals and targets? Is a Christian justified in enforcing the workplace culture as long as it isn’t for self-interest or breaking the law?
Our workplace challenges differ greatly. What may be a good solution in one context may not apply in another! Moreover, each of us assigns different degrees of value and importance to our work and office. So we differ in our responses as challenges impact our needs and concerns—personal, financial, spiritual, social, communal, national and environmental.
As disciples of Christ, we seek the guidance and prompting of the Holy Spirit in all our challenges. The Bible contains many principles and stories from which we can draw guidance for our lives. It is also important for us to have the fellowship of believers to help us discern and reflect on the Bible as we face our varied challenges in the workplace.
I have found three principles from Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, 8 and 10 to be very helpful in responding to challenges in my workplace.
Is it beneficial? Does it enslave?
Paul instructed the church: “‘Everything is permissible for me,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me,’ but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Cor 6:12, CSB).
Paul affirmed that Christians have freedom in Christ. However, we must carefully weigh the outcomes of our choices. Some choices may not be beneficial for our well-being; they may even put us under bondage. Paul reminded the Corinthians that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We belong to Christ (and bear His name), and we must live to honour Him (1 Cor 6:19, 20). Thus, we should live to glorify Christ and not allow our lives to be enslaved or controlled by others.
The principle, here, is to select what is beneficial and does not enslave. As Christians, we are free to engage in different jobs, professions and careers. But we should ask: “Is this beneficial or harmful for me—my well-being, my growth, my witness? Will I be free to act according to my convictions and values, or will I be obligated to deny my principles or faith? Am I putting myself in an environment that is destructive for my body, soul or spirit?”
Will I be a stumbling block?
Contrary to what Cain believed (Gen 4:9), a Christian is his or her brother’s or sister’s keeper! We are responsible for our neighbours!
Paul further reminded us that we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). An ambassador seeks to represent his or her country faithfully. The second principle is not to stumble others: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Cor 8:9).
The Christian must exercise consideration for the weaker brother or sister. Paul explained that some Christians’ faith may allow them to eat food (offered to idols) with a clear conscience. However, we must be sensitive to the weak who may be stumbled. So, as Christians, we go beyond simply asking, “Is this harmful for me?” (1 Cor 6:12), to asking ourselves, “Is this harmful to my neighbour?” (1 Cor 8:9).
In the workplace, words and actions may often be justified with: “My conscience is clear”, “I am not breaking the law”, “This is our culture”, “I am following the book”. This is merely looking out for our own interests. The disciple goes a step further in asking: “Will this be a stumbling block? Will it harm my neighbour?” As Christians, we are first and foremost servants of God; before we are employers and employees. We do everything for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).
As Christ’s ambassadors, our words and actions ought to draw others to Christ, not turn them away from Christ. We ask: “Am I truly representing Christ to my neighbour?” Paul exhorted the Christians: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). Christ is the standard that Paul applied and imitated as a faithful ambassador.
Am I salt and light?
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Cor 10:23-24). Is our impact in the workplace edifying, constructive and, redemptive? Do we choose and decide based on what is for the good of others?
The first principle Paul gave is to choose what is beneficial for our well-being. The second is to consider our neighbour. The third is to live our calling as salt and light. Salt and light have a positive influence on the environment. They improve conditions, bringing healing, protection, preservation, enlightenment and growth. Christians should be this positive influence.
I am reminded of the words from the Prayer of St Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy….”
As Christians, we should evaluate our contributions in terms of how we are salt and light—bringing grace that builds, protects, heals, encourages and illuminates.
Finally, I encourage you to be in fellowship with other believers (if possible, in your workplace) so you may have support, guidance and prayer when facing challenges at work. Arising from these three principles, you may discuss the following questions with your fellowship group:
- How am I honouring God in my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit?
- Have I critically assessed the work culture I have adopted?
- Am I free to decide according to my values and principles?
- Am I courageous enough to address the toxic or oppressive culture in the workplace?
- Will I reject jobs or industries that harm, oppress or destroy the poor, the weak and/or the environment?
- Have I seriously reflected on how my God-given gifts, talents and time are applied so that I can be God’s salt and light?
- How am I bringing glory to God in my workplace?
Images: Pixabay.com and AI-generated
Read also: Integrating Godly Values, Ethics and Professional Excellence in the Workplace
