Boldly Living out your Faith in the WorkPlace
In a world where cancel culture looms large and the pressure to conform stifles individuality, standing firm in our faith at work can feel like walking through a minefield. But what if I told you that your workplace is not just where you earn your living, but also where you can boldly express your worship?
Consider this: Jesus, the ultimate example of faith, spent a significant portion of His time in the marketplace. Of His approximate 132 public appearances, a staggering 120 were in the work place.
There’s a pathway in Israel called Via Dolorosa where Jesus carried the cross to his crucifixion. This path was paved with businesses buying and selling goods. It’s no coincidence that Jesus carried his cross through the workplace. Why did He choose these settings? Because that’s where life happens. That’s where we spend the majority of our waking hours. Work is mentioned over 480 times in the bible, which tells us how significant our work is. Not surprisingly, the word REST is mentioned over 200 times in the Old Testament.
From the very beginning, God intended work to be an act of worship. Adam was given meaningful work to do even before the fall of mankind. This tells us that our careers, are part of God’s plan to utilize our gifts for His glory.
But work without rest steals true fulfillment. Rest, too, is an act of worship. In a world that glorifies hustle culture, slowing down to rest can seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible is filled with verses emphasizing the importance of rest. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that rest is not just permissible; it’s essential. When we allow God to lead us from the front, we find peace amidst the relentless pushes of anxiety-driven urgency that hits us in the back. Having a restful sense of trust grounds are wild thoughts and anchors us to clarity in Jesus. When our minds are full of fear and worry, it moves us to act in rushed urgency. God doesn’t work that way. He leads from the front, he doesn’t push from the back. The enemy loves when our minds are anxious and spinning with the pressure of how we will control our businesses and manifest growth in our own power. But when we’re at rest, the enemy cannot get in.
In the face of societal pressures and the relentless pursuit of success, it takes boldness to wear our faith on our sleeves. But the Great Commission compels us to share the good news of Jesus with the world. However, being bold doesn’t always mean shouting from the rooftops; sometimes, it’s the quiet yet intentional integration of faith into our daily lives.
Praying at work, incorporating devotions into our routines, or openly declaring our faith on digital platforms are simple yet profound ways to let our light shine in the workplace. Organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom stand ready to support Christians in exercising their faith within their businesses, reminding us that sometimes, actions speak louder than words.
Belief can be the catalyst for unprecedented growth. Take, for example, the business owner who, instead of chasing sales, boldly proclaimed his company as faith-based. His decision to prioritize values over profit led to remarkable success. Trusting that God blesses our efforts, even when they defy conventional wisdom, can lead to outcomes beyond our wildest dreams.
As we navigate the complexities of work and faith, let us cling to the timeless wisdom of Scripture. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit our work to the Lord, trusting that He will establish our plans. And as we seek to make an impact in the world around us, let us remember the prayer of Jabez—a plea for God’s favor and blessing as we endeavor to further His kingdom.
Our mission, as believers in the marketplace, is clear: to create a Jesus culture within our workplaces, to extend God’s message to a world in need, and to encourage and refresh fellow travelers on the journey of entrepreneurship. So, I challenge you today: What impact will you make? What message will you share? And what legacy will you leave behind? Let us work not just for success, but for significance—for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
Learn more about Faith in the Workplace here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HukWGekxrGU
