Evangelize Everywhere: Work Editionનમૂનો

One of the hardest things, and I think this is a trick of the enemy, is talking about your faith at work. Keep in mind your company's HR (Human Resource) policies, but legally, at least in the U.S., companies cannot discriminate based on religion, but also keep in mind that you can’t force anyone to believe what you believe (And you shouldn’t try to force it in any circumstance). Often, it may be better to reserve those conversations for another time if you feel led and your coworker agrees, but use wisdom in all cases.

I’ll admit that this one was, and in many cases still is, a challenge for me to navigate. However, here are some practical steps I’ve taken to engage in the conversation. The typical early week meeting starts with the “how was your weekend?” question. If you’re like me, you pause and say, “Do I tell them I was at a church event all weekend or that I volunteered at church?”

But when you think about it, many of your coworkers don’t mind telling you about the party they were at or the club they went to that weekend. Therefore, we should not let fear of what they may think about you being the churchgoer on the team. Often, the same people who laugh or mock your faith are the ones who will ask you to pray for them when they encounter hardship. This is an excellent opportunity to witness or share your own personal testimony. So, yes, share that you have a church/Christian event coming up, or that you had one this past weekend, and use that as a gateway to inquire about their faith.

Another practical tip is to stand firm in your convictions and principles at work. For example, my decision not to drink has sparked many conversations when my work teams have gone out for happy hours. I’ll still attend sometimes, but will turn down the invitation to drink alcohol due to my personal convictions and not wanting to cause someone to stumble. This can also come in the form of your refusal to gossip about your coworker's personal life or something your supervisor has said or done.

Finally, when the workplace remains chaotic for an extended period, our Lord and Savior is the Prince of peace, who gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding. So, no matter how flustered you may be, taking the time to do what Philippians 4:6 tells you and pray about it — so you’re not anxious — provides an invitation for conversation in “how do you remain so calm through all this?” type of questions. Which gives you a chance to respond, “as a follower of Christ, I know that God causes all things to work for my good" (Romans 8:28).

All of these require us to be bold in our faith. We must be vigilant in finding those opportunities to share our relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, we cannot be timid about our relationship with Christ because God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I might’ve shied away from telling someone about you and what you have done in my life while at work. Help me recognize the windows of opportunity you are providing to me and increase my boldness in those moments. You have sent me there not just for a paycheck, but to be your ambassador. So I yield to your promptings to help someone know you better. In Jesus' name, amen.