As believers, we’re called to hold ourselves to biblical standards in all areas of life. Many of these standards aren’t upheld by the secular work world, and it can be difficult staying steadfast when peer pressure and ridicule come our way.
Ideally, we’d be able to separate ourselves from anything that might challenge or distract from our convictions, but avoidance isn’t always possible or recommended.
We’re called to spread the truth of the Gospel to unbelievers; interaction with the world is unavoidable. Additionally, many believers don’t work in a Christian workplace. So how can Christians in the workplace keep biblical convictions in a secular world?
Not of this world
As Christians, we’re different—or we should be. We need to set ourselves apart from the world through how we think, how we speak, and how we act. In Ephesians 4:17-19 (NIV), Paul explains this, urging the Ephesian church to separate themselves from how the world lives.
And because of these differences, there’s every likelihood we’ll experience judgement from the world. 1 Peter 4:3-4 (NIV) talks about how unbelievers live in debauchery, and that they’ll heap abuse on us because they can’t understand why we live differently.
But even if we encounter abuse, ridicule, and judgement, we can keep a positive attitude knowing God’s in control. As John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We should experience conviction whenever faced with sin. We should erect boundaries when dealing with secular environments and nonbelievers. These boundaries aren’t barriers to developing working relationships with nonbelievers, but they should be barriers to engaging in sinful behavior our colleagues might engage in.
As we accumulate success and wealth, let us look for opportunities to give back to God what He has first given to us.
The love of money is the root of all evil
There can seem like there’s dissonance between Scripture and basic survival; in our world, we need money in every part of our life, but money remains one of our greatest pitfalls. Can it be evil if it’s needed to survive? As a matter of fact, Scripture explains that money isn’t evil.
Pay close attention to 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV): “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Money might not be evil, but the love of it is. There’s good reason we’re warned to avoid coveting after wealth in Scripture—it leads to temptation, hurt, and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9 KJV).
Having a good work ethic, being successful, and avoiding the pitfall of greed is a tricky tightrope to walk, especially for hardworking entrepreneurs and business owners. We’re supposed to work our hardest at whatever we choose to do (Ecclesiastes 9:10), and that often results in career success.
To avoid greed, we need to remember where our wealth comes from. 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV) says, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” All blessings in life come from God. Even the ability to work and succeed in our gifts comes from God.
It’s also important to remember Who we’re working for. Our goal should always be to bring glory to God in whatever we do, including our work. Proverbs 3:9 (NLT) says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.”
As we accumulate success and wealth, let us look for opportunities to give back to God what He has first given to us.
Accountability
There’s a reason we’re encouraged—or commanded—to engage in the Christian community. Our brothers and sisters in Christ can and should help in keeping us accountable to God.
James 5:16 (ESV) says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Having someone to speak and pray with about the sins with which we’re struggling helps in keeping our convictions, especially as we struggle to navigate a secular world.
As we progress as new creations in a sinful world, let’s keep our hearts and minds focused on the One true King, lest we give in to temptation. And let’s work our hardest for the glory of God.
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