The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
المؤلف: John Boland
التاريخ: 21.09.2011
Category: الجماعات البشرية التي لم تصلها الرسالة, الشهادة الشخصية, خدمة السوق
THE PROBLEM:
So what does the term workplace evangelism bring to your mind? Is it a good thought or bad? Do you think the mention of it drives people away or draws them toward a relationship with the Savior? Maybe the words themselves don’t do anything. My belief is this: it is our attitude, approach and conduct that turns people off from having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Aren’t we to blame when those outside Christianity see the actions of intolerance, bigotry and elitism expressed toward those both in and out of Christian circles, rather than the mercy, love and acceptance of Jesus Christ? Can we hardly blame others when they see the hypocritical Christian say they believe one thing yet do, or say, just the opposite? Who should people in conditions of want blame when groups of so called believers only throw money toward meeting their need but will not take their personal time to actually correct the conditions that brought about the need in the first place? Who is at fault when those in the workplace seek real answers to the real problems of life and only run into the would-be Christian who appears to have an answer for everything but only comes up with empty utterances? So how do we deal with the Bible-toting believer, who means well but is obnoxious and offensive? Who should be held responsible there? More important than the blame game is the question: how do we as believers recover an already damaged reputation of trust within the workplace? I believe it is not too late to rebuild our integrity within the work community. In the rebuilding process, well-meaning Christians must be discipled in the basics, taught work environment etiquette, and shown how to build real relationships with fellow workers.
THE BASICS:
For Christians the ABC’s of work is all About being humble, Buying into Godly character and Communicating what you believe. Humility in the workplace allows the believer to establish a personal relationship with others. Godly character gives the Christian worker credibility within the workplace. Our responsibility, as we establish lines of communication with others and build trust, is to be available to share how Christ has changed our life and leads us through life’s changing conditions, when asked. This then is ministry! Our lives develop into ministry as we accomplish our work to the best of our ability (Romans 12:1[1])(MSG); Proverbs 22:29, 27:18), rally around others through their struggles (Galatians 6:2), make it easier for others to focus on their specific God given task in life (Jeremiah 29:11), meet the needs of the poor, elderly, widows and orphans (James 1:27), and finally keep the local body of Christ informed as to how and in what way they can assist (Acts 15:12, 21:17). It is also important for a Christian to know what they believe, before they begin to express what they believe, to those who do not believe (Ephesians4:29). As stated earlier, too often well-meaning Christians state what they believe in ways offensive toward others, pushing them away from a point of salvation or just souring them on Christianity as an ideology. For the Christian, work has to be about setting a personal Godly example in the work environment. We know that God established the idea of work (Genesis 1:1–2:2), He ordained it (Genesis 2:5, 15 (MSG)), and He has given Godly purpose in work (Psalm 127:2). Here lies the problem, in the twenty-first century we believers seem to have a serious disconnect between what happens on Sunday and how it applies Monday through Saturday.
THE OPPORTUNITIES:
We have failed to see the opportunities before us at work! It is important to build relationships with fellow workers (Ecclesiastes 4:12; Colossians 3:13) in order to understand their non-verbal cues in times of need or personal crisis so we can be there to minister to them (Galatians 6:2). We should seek out other workplace believers in order to network with them for fellowship, mutual encouragement, and cooperative prayer. We should be producing quality work (Romans 12:1; Proverbs 22:29, 27:18) and managing both our personal and professional time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) in order to earn the right to be heard by fellow employees and even managers and bosses. We can also find ministry opportunities even in difficult situations. Many of us have been unsuccessful at recognizing the personal motivation found in failure, disappointment or trials. Out of these events come the circumstances that give rise to our greatest opportunities to share personal encouragement and testify to the glory & goodness of God! Therefore we should not look at them with fear and anxiety. These situations come into everyone’s life sooner or later. As Christians we must face them with humbleness (Isaiah 66:2), hope (Romans 5:3-5), obedience to the Word (Hebrews 5:8), joy (James 1:2-4) and prayer (James5:16; 1 Peter 4:7). Throughout all this our conduct should be appropriate and beyond reproach when it comes to being involved in this pluralistic society. As the Scripture reminds us we should be at peace with everyone (Romans12:18). We should not be seeking to be divisive, argumentative, or speak evil of others (Titus 3:2-4). Such conduct does our reputation no personal good, wins us no friends, and closes more witnessing possibilities than we will ever know about. As I read the scripture Jesus loved the sinner and hated the sin. Can we be any less the disciple?
THE APPROACH:
So how does a believer truly express their faith in the workplace without offending others? I think the Scripture is pretty clear on this. Speak the truth of the Word (Proverb14:25) based on full knowledge of Scripture, not one’s opinion based on a loose interpretation. Use common sense (Proverbs 11:9). God didn’t give us a brain just for a hat rack. I believe He intended for us to think before we speak, or put our thoughts into action! Do not spread lies (2 Chronicles 34:33) about people, employers (past or present) or businesses! Be a positive role model (3 John 1:5). Work without complaining or disputing (Philippians2:14-16a). Develop friendships without ulterior motives (Romans9:21;12:18; Titus 3:2-4). Only hold gender appropriate associations, without bias or discrimination. Accept fellow workers, warts and all. Be patient, become open and truthful, and deal honestly with everyone. As you do these things, then seek opportunities to encourage, build up, promote and pray for fellow workers. Shouldn’t this be your attitude when God brings about the occasion where you can give testimony to His glory and honor?
[1] All Scripture references are King James Version unless specifically identified otherwise
كلمات مفتاحية: workplace, evangelism, caring, sharing, friendship, life issues
مشاهدات: 15267
تعليقات: 86
توصيات: 3
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الولايات المتحدة
I’m so glad for this series of posts on this topic. The workplace provides a rich opportunity to leverage and share our faith. Scripture says we are to make the most of every opportunity. Opportunity is one of the key words in that phrase. Forcing an opportunity is not really an authentic opportunity. With grace and truth and patience and prayer…we make the most of every opportunity. Pray specifically for wisdom. Some people, who are already resistant to the Gospel, will only give you one opportunity. If any one of us forces it or reinforces the preconceived notions that a co-workers already has about Jesus/Church/Gospel, then the opportunity is lost and many the person builds up another wall to keep Christ out. This is where the concept of relational evangelism is so helpful. We earn the right to be heard. Sometimes that takes time, money, endurance, hospitality…in other words it costs us. But this is part of being faithful. Trusting God to prepare the heart to hear the Gospel and since the workplace is where we already spend so much of our time, it becomes a great place to share Christ.
05.05.2013
الولايات المتحدة
Greetings,
I appreciate the practical side of this article. The ABCs were certainly keys that we can put into practice on our jobs. I think the one I appreciated the most was B (buying into Godly character). I think that our example at work does give us credibility and we earn the respect of our co-workers. Then they are more open to hear what we have to say about Christ.
As you said, in “The Approach” section of your article, I agree that it is good to develop friendships without any ulterior motives. And it is important to accept others, which can be difficult to do at times, but truly adds to our credibility as we witness for Christ.
Initially, when I thought about work place evangelism my thoughts were negative. I guess because I thought the approach to accomplish this had to involve an aggressive and distasteful approach to proclaiming the Gospel. However, now I see that our methods to witness in the workplace can be gentle, genuine and very natural.
Thank you!
04.05.2013
الولايات المتحدة
I love the idea of the ABCs of work for Christians. About being humble, Buying into Godly character, and Communicating what you believe are all crucial aspects of spreading the Gospel and reaching others in our workplaces. As you mentioned, without humility, others will not want to listen. Also, actions definitely speak louder than words and it helps when you spread the Gospel through actions first, then words. Finally, once A & B have been taken care of, the door is opened for communication of our actual beliefs.
01.05.2013
الولايات المتحدة
I must start my reply with a quote: "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel; and if necessary, use words." -St. Francis of Assisi
This my friends, is how I believe we best can witness, in work, in school, in the mall, in the neighborhood walking our dog or riding our bikes, at the park with our children watching them at a sport event; or just being around family and friends in any given daily activity we may find ourselves in.
Ken Gire, in his book "Windows of the Soul," gives amazing example of how we are to be witnesses in everday experiences by becoming mindful of others around us. The examples he shares in his book are extremely touching and thought provoking; in my opinion. And, I truly feel this is what we should be doing more than anything; we should be looking into the eyes of our brothers and sisters and becoming mindful of them. Once doing this we are then capable of becoming the witness that particular individual will need.
03.12.2011
الولايات المتحدة
Jesus did not sit in the temple and wait for people to come to him for teaching, healing, empathy. He was constantly on the move walking from place to place in order to be around people in their environment. He would often, listen to peoples needs, heal the sick, and often times just spend time with them. He never blessed them with riches etc. in order to get them to listen to him. He listened, showed empathy and loved unconditionially. The pastor on sundays preaches and teaches the believers about Jesus, the characteristics of Jesus, how he ministered to others while on earth, so we can then scatter to our places of work and play throughout the week and be able to imulate those character traits in how we interact with others. In our world today with so many people in the workplace, the biggest sin for christians is the sin of omission. Failing to live a christlike life in front of others while at work or play therefore missing opportunities to minister to others as Christ would want us to. Today so many people just go to work, and it’s all about themselves, no thought today on how to minister to others only thoughts of (how can I get a raise, a new position, or impress a co-worker or even envious thoughts toward others that may be getting promoted, etc.) We spend more time in work and play and have a great mandate to share the love of Christ with others. Let’s get Started.
19.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ pastort: totally agree! our treasure, and hence our hearts, are not on the glory and grace and what God did in Jesus Christ on the Cross! Pray He moves in us to abandon our idols (usually good things we treasure above God: professional success, money, influence, security, comfort, family) and make Him our Treasure: He alone can truly fulfill us so that we can boldlyand sacrificially love those around us., work or elsewhere!
19.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ pastort:
Thank you so much for you comment. We tend to be two different people before God. Often we see people who live to recieve freey the rich blessing from God, but have a hard time giving to other what we have freelyrecieved. The richestness of the blessings we recieve has show forth it greatest power as we are to share it with others
19.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ pastort:
I am so glad that you pointed out how people just go to work, just for work and we play and work without the ugency of the Great Commission. God wants us to go, but as we go He wants us to misnister to those in our path. People miss that part and jump straight to the GO... we are always waiting for the trip to another country or to a poor area.
21.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ pastort:
You are dead on when you talk about how Jesus did not sit at the temple and wait for people to come to him. Instead, he went out to them and built relationships with them. The come and see approach of the church needs to be done away with. The people of the church are to go out with the intentional purpose of living their lives to the glory of God. The church building is the gathering place of the church body. We gather together on Sunday to scatter the body out into the community and share of Christ’s great love.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
There are so many good talking points in this post that it’s hard to pick a point to begin. When I reflect on the ABC’s of Christians in the workplace with A – About being humble, B- Buying into Godly character, - and C – Communicating one’s beliefs, I see how being humble really does bring about a major change in one’s character. Humility allows for someone to serve with an open heart, expecting nothing in return. When you are humble, you show that you do not need to be recognized for everything that you do and are willing to be behind the scenes. It’s also a willingness to begin relationships with people who are much different than you are. The Godly characteristics mentioned, such as, not spreading lies in the workplace, being a role model, working without complaining or disputing are all characteristics to strive for. I know that for myself, it is really hard to work without complaining sometimes. This is especially true when you work at the same place for many years. I’ve worked in the same retail shop for 7 years now. There have been some rough patches but there have also been glorious moments. These were the moments when I saw God at work in the midst of the relationships formed in the workplace. I feel like I’ve lost sight of that and want to get back to viewing my workplace as a mission field.
27.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ tjcooper:
I know what you mean. I’ve been working in ministry now for about a year but I’ve been working at a pizza place for 4 years. I hate working at the pizza place because I have a college degree and am working on my master’s degree and can’t help but feel like the time there is wasted. Yes I am tempted to complain. Yes, I am tempted to work below the level of explary because I feel the work is beneath me. But my witness there is important to the people that I work with and being a better worker than the rest makes me look good as a Christian and shows the glory of the Lord. There are no opportunities for advancement or getting a raise so I never look like I’m brown nosing for favoritism. My efforts just make me look like a better person and my attitude shows that I have the light of Christ in my life. Also I’m the humblest.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ tjcooper:
The best way to sum it is is humility allows you to be a servant to others. It causes you to put others before you. It is what we are called to do. We become Christ-like and therefore, allow the love of Christ to shine through us.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ TomTharpGW:
Oh yes. I can relate. It was especially hard for me to keep a good attitude at my retail job once I graduated. I felt like I could have been doing something much better. But it was during this time of searching and trying to understand why God was keeping me there, that I realized I wanted to go into full-time ministry. He also allowed me to advance some in the company to gain higher pay. I was more than okay with that.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ TomTharpGW:
Man i get it the piece of paper we work so hard for doesn’t turn into to much as far as a carreer and the everyday labor seems trivial but it is the most awesome oppertunity in the world man!!! I work as a butcher and get to share God’s love day in and day out with the staff of a whole grocery store. If I worked only as a minister I would not have met any of these people but in passing. May God bless your pizza pie making
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
good point tjcooper,
I agree with you about being humble and serving with an open heart. Humility was one of Jesus’ attirbutes that made Him successful during his earthly ministry. Arrongance on the other hand, does not please our Lord. Thereofore, all of us as Christians should make a stronger effort to be more humble and obedient to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Ernesto:
Yes, and learning the attribute of humility does not come easy. Especially in the workplace because our culture makes us believe that we should always be trying to get ahead. The pressure to climb the ladder can weigh down on your shoulders and humility flys out the window along with honesty or other Christ-like traits. Our view of "success" really needs to be challenged. We should practice the art of not needing recognition for all the good things we do even when we work really hard.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ tjcooper:
I have two stories: In Courageous, a fictional Christian movie, a man decides to tell his boss he has to turn down a promotion because there is shady business involved and the bosses hire him for his integrity and tell him it was a test. In the other, real life situation, a lawyer who handles large money accounts refused to take clients to get hookers and was refused the account because of his integrity. This lawyer was being asked to do this by the people who handle state pension funds. Nice examples huh? Someone who the government entrusts with their money doesn’t get the job because of his Christian witness and integrity. Tells you a lot about the government of the United States.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
I think that one key thing that you hit on was our responsibility to organize and showcase love. I enjoy that you put these two together. I think that often it is through our organization or our processes that have been thought out that others see, they in turn see the love of Christ. Often times I know I get carried away with the idea of something and do not put forth the effort that I should on a specific project or aspect and people see that lack of pride, and that is not a great witness. With this great knowledge of Christ comes the great responsibility to put forth our absolute best with whatever we do with it.
06.10.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Elizabeth_B:
Something that I try to live by everyday in everything I do and every task I do, especially where I work is John 3:30 He must increase, I must decrease. When I seek God first in my life I tend to live more like a christian should and less like the world. I don’t always live my life the way that I need to but I try to remember John 3:30 everytime I do something foolish or worldly.
24.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Elizabeth_B:
What an idea...the idea of "organizing love." That brings to mind that our relationships and the things that we do should be intentional. This means that it takes effort and often times sacrifice. We may have to sacrifice our time, our gas, our money, our things, in order to organize love and let God use us.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
Once again Embrace,
dont’t give up on being a powerfu witness to you coworkers. What happened in past life, stays in the past. Right now, concentrate on being faithful to God right where you are and He will give you the wisdom to overcome whatever fears you might have. Just remember that the Lord was faithful to Abraham, Moses, Joshua and He will definitely be with you as well. Also, make you very owm promise I Corinthians 5:17 and I John 1:9. May the Lord prosper and bless you abundantly.
24.10.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto
Thank you very much, it is always hard to think about people from biblical times as having the same or similar struggles as us. When God first changed my life, there were more people that KNEW I would fail and go back to my old ways. People believe that God can move mountains BUT he can’t change my heart and make me one of His disciples. We as christians need to remember that God has a plan for us... Jeremiah 29:11 tells us of this plan, it is much bigger than what we could imagine for ourselves or prepare for ourselves.
15.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Ernesto:
I do have a question though, I feel like God led me to where I work to help me get closer to Him and in turn show the people I work with that God can do great things in anyone’s life and I mean ANYONE... but when is it time to try to move on? I have been thinking about trying to get a new job because I am not a fan of retail and that is where I have been PLACED... I want to try to impact the lives of the people I work with for the Glory of God... but is it OK if I try to move on to another field to impact other people’s lives and further God’s KINGDOM???
16.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ embracecarrie:
God never makes you do anything. He provides paths for you to take whether you can see them or not. Thinking that God has placed you in a spot so that you have to stay there goes against the agency that we all have as Human Beings which makes us different from the animals which have none and the angels which have no free will. You may make the choices you like without fear of God’s wrath for messing up His plans. But first pray and descern what the best choice is.
About the article and the conversation so far is it a lack of education? A lack of proper biblical teaching or something endemic in our society which allows people who should be acting as Christ in their surroundings to go so wrong as to be the agents of gossip and dissention and show the world the Hypocrisy of the church through them? Or are we simply fighting the age old concept of original sin and these people haven’t really been cleansed and blessed by the Holy Spirit? Tough questions I know. But we have to get this under control because there is a light in the city on the hill only because it is burning to the ground. So we can either fight the fire and rebuild or get out the marshmallows.
21.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ TomTharpGW:
I do not think I am being forced into doing anything, but I do believe that God has put me in these people that I work with’s paths. I was just like them when I first started working there but God has changed me and I feel that God wants to use me here. I try to live my life the best I know how to for the Glory of God’s Kingdom. I am trying to be an obedient servant.
24.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ embracecarrie:
I can’t say the the Lord’s will is either one or the other. If you feel a call from God to minister by your Christian example in one place even though you don’t like it then you should go by the way you feel led. At the same time if you feel your talents are being wasted in retail then you should go with what God has gifted you. You can spiritualize it either way so I would warn you against thinking in God terms and go with a cold rationalization of where you can be put to the most use by the Kingdom of God. And in all things be a witness to Christ wherever you go.
27.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ TomTharpGW:
I think its that gossiping gives us a sense of power. We know something about another person that they do not wish for us to know. Also, we know something that could cause them to fall, which, in turn, allows us to move up. Its the whole notion that we must all reach the top and be in control. A part of us all wants to be the one in control. I don’t think we like the idea of being servants, therefore, we try to ignore it.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ embracecarrie:
I feel like it’s time to move on when you know that you’re unhappy and there are other opportunities out there. However, working at the same job will take you through some highs and lows. I have struggled with deciding to stay or go at my current job a few times. For some reason, God kept me there and it has definitely been the best decision for me. It’s a matter of praying and really seeking God’s guidance on this. And you don’t always need a sign from God or a big audible voice. Sometimes we just need to be faithful and know that whatever decision we make, God will carry us through.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ TomTharpGW:
I agree with what you said Tom. We really can spiritualize things more than they need or are warranted. God has no desire for his children to be unhappy in life. There are seasons of unhappiness, sure, but there is also a time to move on to better things and know that God can use you wherever you are. We are vessels of light everywhere that we go.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
Thanks Tom,
I also agree with you about embracing Jesus as the truth instead of a truth. According to John 14:6, Jesus said, "I’m the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but, trhough me." There is no doubt that Jesus made it clear enough as to who a person could be saved.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
Thanks Tom,
I also agree with you about embracing Jesus as the truth instead of a truth. According to John 14:6, Jesus said, "I’m the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but, trhough me." There is no doubt that Jesus made it clear enough as to who a person could be saved.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
thanks for you comment embracecarrie,
you are correct when you said that we should decrease and Jesus ought to increase because He is the only one who deserves the honor and glory. He is our Lord and Savior. And, He wants humanity to be aware that He loves them as much as He loves us as Christians. If you continue to be faithful to Him, He will use you in a powerful way.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
thanks for you comment embracecarrie,
you are correct when you said that we should decrease and Jesus ought to increase because He is the only one who deserves the honor and glory. He is our Lord and Savior. And, He wants humanity to be aware that He loves them as much as He loves us as Christians. If you continue to be faithful to Him, He will use you in a powerful way.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
good point tjcooper,
I agree with you about being humble and serving with an open heart. Humility was one of Jesus’ attirbutes that made Him successful during his earthly ministry. Arrongance on the other hand, does not please our Lord. Thereofore, all of us as Christians should make a stronger effort to be more humble and obedient to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
28.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
The problem with the average believer is that he/she has walked away from the Lord by doing religion their own way instead of reading, meditating, and interpreting Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit who is God Himself. If each of us would only allow the Holy Spirit do His marvelous work, we will not be in the situation that we are in not knowing what the will of God and how to go about being faithful to Him.
10.10.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Ernesto:
Earnesto, you make an excellent point here. Your comment remind me of Romans 10, We being ignorant of God’s righteousness and going about to establish our own have not submitted unto the righteousness of God. We refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to be who He is outside of the church. It must be remembered that the God we serve is not relegated to a building onlly. We have seen His greatest works ourside of a church setting. Opening Red Seas, Turning water to wine, mutipllying fish and bread in front of unbelievers and skeptics. Do he deserve the same opportunity to be shown in the wordplace. I think so!
23.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto, it seems that the average believer just wants to live as a christian when it is convenient for them... which hurts true christianity! People look at us and see how a lot of average believers are no different than unbelievers. we should look at Ephesians 4:29 for advice on how we should "talk"...
24.11.2011
هولندا
How to go about workplace ministry:
1. Prayer: pray blessings over all your colleagues and customers in such a way that they do not even see that you are doing it. Quote: I never pray longer than 20 minutes and I never allow 20 minutes to pass without praying. Better still: read the thin but powerful booklet by Brother Lawrence - The Practice of the Presence of God - teaches about living in prayer 24/7. By the Lord’s grace it ook me only about six months to learn how to put it in practice in my workplace as medical doctor
2. Care: As you pray, ask the Lord to give you ideas about how you can demonstrate His love to your colleagues and customers. A small gift, helping to clean up a mess, a word of encouragement, a listening ear (very important), asking open-ended questions (what is the most important lesson you learnt during the past year / who were people who shaped your life in a positive way and how did they do it?), play badminton, go birdwatching. These are examples of what the Lord managed to get through to me in spite of my hard-headedness :-)
3. Share: First, identify yourself as a believer in non-threatening and non-pushy ways. E.g. when they ask during the lunch break about your week-end, say: I met such an interesting visitor to our church on Sunday. Stop. Full stop. Say no more. Wait till they ask a question about it. If no question, say no more. If question, short - yes, short- answer. Enough to make them inquisitive. In similar ways make statements in I-language. I was blessed by an insight from the Bible. I was touched by the testimony of a young man who showed such courage in a difficult situation. Say no more. Wait until they ask for more. Share briefly. Wait till they ask for more. Share briefly. Wait till they ask for more. This way you will learn to share with respect, with permission and with sensitivity.
22.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Lodewijk_Steyn:
Thank you so much for your comments on how to go about workplace ministry. You said 1. Prayer, 2. Care, 3. Share and perhaps you should add another # 4. Everywhere. It is indeed the relevance of the gospel that has power to impact life and lifestyle any and everywhere. THanks for your insighgt.
22.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Billy_Houze:
Birdwatching, oh boy. But the points you raise and the methods are very helpful. These should not be things that we need to teach people how to do but simply part of how they act towards everyone. The fact that this is not our natural behavior, especially the caring part, is troubling in a church which is supposed to be following Jesus and His example. We should be helping and caring at every oportunity and even when none presents itself we should be doing things for people. We should be standing out as exemplars of the best human beings have to offer. Yet so many of us are content to remain the ones who get by, who don’t shine, who fade into the background instead of standing out. We need to equip our people to be these people. And the first step is to do it ourselves.
22.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ TomTharpGW: Tom, you are absolutely correct in your thoughts in what you convey. I believe our downfall is because as the article says, we don’t really embrace Jesus as THE truth but a truth. I know this the thoughts of the world, but it is sad when it becomes the word and will of the church.
22.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Billy_Houze:
True, we are fighting a history where the Church was the extension of the government and vice versa. And we ahve bought into the idea that we can’t stand on an absolute foundation of the truth but instead on a part of the whole truth. There was a girl who wanted to be an intern under me at my church. She took exception to me talking about converting Muslims or Hindus because she thought all religions had equal claim to the Truth and that God wouldn’t hold a different upbringing against them when Judgement came. This is a girl who was brought up in the church and wose parents teach others how to be christians. Naturally she did not last as Intern. We need to regain our idea of Jesus as THE Way THE Truth before we can engage with others who think that their truth is THE truth and actually act it out in their secular lives. The best way is to be just as good or better without being a backstabber or gossipper.
22.11.2011
هولندا
A very helpful two day seminar to train healthcare professionals for ministry in the workplace: International Saline. More informaiton here
18.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Lodewijk_Steyn:
Thank You Lodewijk_Steyn I’ve passed this on to the health workers in my church.
21.11.2011
هولندا
@ TomTharpGW:
Thanks Tom. Let me know if they have any questions. Might be able to help, who knows :-)
Shalom
Chris
22.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
Most too often, there appears to be a "Dr. Jekyl-Mr. Hyde" exhibited by so called Christians in the workplace. Often the workplace becomes a place where the Christian is to show forth the ways of Christ and make a formal presentation of what a life in Christ jesus looks like. There are those who instead of being humble as the article suggest, they are very obnoxious in there character when they have an excellent to show patience, kindness, longsuffering, simply the fruit of the Spirit. Amazing we step outside the church setting and transform into this creature of question instead of one of resolve, assurance, and Christian character. Where else do we have an opportunity to showcase the attributes of Jesus Christ, than in the market place where men come hurting, worried, broken and questioning?
09.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Billy_Houze:
The double life that a lot of Christians live is exactly what I try to avoid. When God first changed my life I had to UPROOT and stop going to the places I used to go and stop hanging out with the people I was very close to. BUT I didn’t want there to be any question in anyone’s mind about my life. I wanted everyone to know that I was living for the Lord 100%... I try to be nice to everyone and stay out of Gossip and cliques, which is hard... but what about the other "christians" that I work with that have never been taught what a true christian is... I know that I wasn’t taught in the past, so I believed that my sinful life was normal and accepted by God because everyone sins, but once I began digging in His word and finding out for myself instead of just taking my preacher’s word and not trying to find TRUTH for myself... Other than leading by example... how do you help someone else see that they are not living the true life of a Christian... other than just praying for them of course... I pray that God will open their hearts and their eyes to the Truth of life and God’s grace and Love! (I know I ramble a lot but I am just concerned)
16.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ embracecarrie:
good point embracecarrie,
you are correct when you said that we as Christians should live by example, I can imagine the difficulties that you might be experiencing. But, don’t forget that it’s worth suffering for the cause of Christ. Now, that you are living a faithful life for the Lord, is the right time to be an effective witness in spite of the opposition that you face. Another important thing to remeber is that with time, you’ll see the positive results of God’s power working in you life.
16.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
@ Ernesto:
Thank you Ernesto... it is an amazing feeling to know that God is using me for His kingdom, God is awesome in every way. I would have never thought I would have a life that people could see God in but they do. The sad thing is it seems that people at my church are the ones that come down on me for where I come from with my past more than the people I work with who KNOW my past. The people in my church do not know my past they just know that I wasn’t in church before. I don’t know which is harder, being an example for the people I work with, or living the life of a christian with a past in a church... pretty sad actually.
21.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
This is just a question... But how do you know when you have gone from helpful seed planting to being pushy? The people I work with are open to what I say to them about what I believe and how my life is growing and moving through my relationship with God. But when will what I say about my life push them away? I have known some of these people for 5 years or more so they are deep in my heart and I love them. I want them to know that I share my faith with them because I love them not because I want to "judge" them and their life decisions. I try not to make any personal throws at their lives but general examples of life. They do see how God is blessing my life but I don’t want to hurt God’s kingdom instead of help it.
21.11.2011
الولايات المتحدة
that’s right embracecarrie,
should always be strong in the Lord. I strongly believe that He saved us for specific purposes such as; to be faithful to HIm in our daily walk, have strong communication with HIm through prayer, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and being effective witness for his Glory.
16.11.2011
يتوجب عليك تسجيل الدخول أولاً لكي تتمكن من نشر تعليق. إذا لم يكن لديك حساب، يمكن التسجيل الآن (إنه مجاني وسهل!)