To facilitate a truly global conversation, we ask Christian leaders from around the world to respond to the Global Conversation’s lead articles. These points of view do not necessarily represent the Lausanne Movement. They are designed to stimulate discussion from all points of the compass and from different segments of the Christian community. Please add your perspective by posting a comment so that we can learn and grow together in the unity of the Spirit.

A response to Gordon Preece, Al Miyashita & Willy Kotiuga’s article: Truth in the Workplace

I am not convinced that the problem is with men and women compartmentalizing their church life from the rest of life.  I fear that the issue is much deeper.  The issue is whether the men and women who attend church truly have Jesus as Lord of their lives.   All three Synoptic Gospel writers record Jesus saying, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Denying ourselves and following Jesus at work, at home, in the neighborhood and at church will make us Christlike wherever we find ourselves.   When the Rich Young Man in Matthew 19:16 - 22 approaches Jesus about how to inherit eternal life Jesus identifies lordship issues in the young man’s life.  Like many who attend church regularly, the young man is living by a number of rules, but he is missing the whole point of the rules and the purpose of life.  Instead of denying himself, he is focusing on himself.  Instead of following Jesus, he is hoping to find eternal life in his rule following.   The men and women I know who regularly attend church, but show no sign of the lordship of Christ do not submit to Jesus and do not follow him in any part of life -- other than attending church.  In contrast, my friends who are devoted to following Jesus as Lord, do not have a "secular - sacred divide" issue.  They live for Jesus in all aspects of their lives.   There is nothing wrong with preaching a message on the value of work.  If, however, our desire is a workplace filled with women and men who live by the power of the Holy Spirit, seek God’s direction, and transform the workplace for Jesus, then we must regularly communicate the essential message of submitting to Jesus as Lord.

D.G. Elmore, is chairman of The Navigators USA