Strangers In The Workplace

The title could be taken a number of ways. By it I mean to communicate that we are strangers, aliens if you will, at work. It is not always the case that the Christian’s workplace is pleasant. It can be rather difficult. There are places Christians cannot work (e.g. abortion clinic). However, most jobs we can work but there will be many difficulties along the way.

At my job, there are particular difficulties that I encounter that others would not. And they encounter difficulties that I do not. That said, I think it’s apparent that the gospel collides with various things in our jobs. I’m not sure specific examples would be helpful in this public post but we need not assume our employer will do the will of God in all matters.

I am not saying we are responsible for the decisions of our employer. However, there are things we could be asked to do that we would be responsible for. There are also places we could make a real difference by talking with our employer. And there are times when you will make no difference at all and at the same time risk losing your job. I have encountered all of these. I still have a job and I have spoken against things–some changes were made for the better and some remain unchanged.

My journal entry from last year documented one of those situations where I spoke up about an issue and it has not changed. I am not responsible for this problem but I was burdened beyond what I could bear over the situation. I gave a gentle warning with all that was at stake in speaking out. I trusted that the Lord would take care of me and my family by providing other means if something did happen. In this case, I still have my job. I am sill very concerned. I am still praying for the situation. Yet I mourn the possible outcome of these actions.

Fellow followers of Christ, there are people who are struggling at their jobs with things they feel are wrong and they are afraid. They need to have conversations about the particulars of their dilemma. Be an encouragement to them. Talk through the issues. Pray for them. Consider whose responsibility it is and consider the outcome of your response. And always trust the Lord to care for you and be with you through it all. For He sees and knows what you are going through and He cares for you.

Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”