If you follow Jesus and work in business, how often do those two parts of your life intersect?
All the time? Sometimes? Never?
If you admit it “never” happens, you probably have reasons as to why – you’re not sure it would be accepted, you don’t want to offend anyone or maybe you don’t think it would make a difference.
If you’d answer “sometimes,” maybe it’s only when you leverage church contacts into business opportunities.
Unfortunately, it’s incredibly common to live compartmentalized lives in the world today. We have a work face, a church face and a home face. This phenomenon causes people to have separate, distinct identities depending on the day of the week.
I don’t know about you, but having multiple identities sounds both problematic and exhausting.
The more I pursue Jesus, the more I’ve realized that separating our faith from any area of our life – especially at work – is a case of mistaken identity.
If we legitimately root our identity in Christ – which is what we are called to do as believers – there really is no room to separate our faith from our work. Our relationship with Jesus should inform everything we do and every decision we make:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. This life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
The Bible illustrates time and time again that we are:
- Made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27)
- Called to work (Gen. 2:15)
- Called to glorify God in all that we do (Col. 3:23)
If we spend 40+ hours a week communicating with coworkers and customers, how can we be intentional about carrying that faith with us? If we strengthen our identity in God, then it will become more natural.
Living out your faith at work doesn’t mean you have to change careers or go into the ministry. And it doesn’t mean you have to bring your bible to meetings or have baptisms in the break room. What it does mean is bringing your principles of faith – a distinct, bold faith founded on who God is (and who you are) – everywhere you go.
God created you with talents and passions to be a Jesus person right where you are. In fact, I would say that the business world needs more of your belief than ever. Don’t give in to the idea that your identity in Christ doesn’t apply in the workplace. It’s the most essential part of who you are.
The Better Word:
- Do you carry your faith into your work, or do you have “multiple identities”? If you have multiple identities, 1) how do you feel about it and 2) do you think you should change?
- Incorporating your faith into your work means more than asking for God’s blessings. God will faithfully bless us if we seek Him and give Him honor in everything. “Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
- Pay attention to God sightings at work – you won’t see a burning bush, but you will probably see a friend who needs a listening ear or a word of prayer. You don’t have to be over-the-top, but show compassion and see opportunities multiply. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
Speak A Better Word 