For many years I have struggled professionally knowing how to rep my Christian faith in the work place. I would go above and beyond so that my co-workers knew I was "saved." I would invite them to my church or openly hold discussions about the faith. Meanwhile, I was being a hypocrite. Engaging in workplace gossip, and not truly showing the love of Christ. Needless to say, my lip service about my faith, didn't always match my lifestyle.
Over time, however, I have learned to do better. To keep my thoughts to myself, and remain professional. While my co-workers are very aware about my faith, I don't bombard them with it.
I am around people who care less about hearing stories of Jesus and are more interested in how they're treated. In how I treat them, specifically. They're watching to see if the Christian lifestyle I say I'm living, matches up to how I treat them. When they talk about me, mistreat me, or persecute me, am I quick to forgive, or am I quick to avenge myself?
It's hard when you know who your Judas' are. When you know the person who will stab you in the back. That's an extremely painful awareness, but even in that I know that God is testing my ability to forgive...to love those who at times appear to be unlovable.
Something else that stays with me is the story of Lee Strobel. If you're not familiar with his story, I implore you to either read his book, "The Case for Christ," or watch the movie of the same title. I saw the movie. Basically, Strobel was an unbeliever and lauded journalist. I will try not to spoil much of the movie, but he goes about trying to prove the case of Christ. His existence, and crucifixion all to try and discredit Christianity.
In the end, Strobel is won over for Christ by love. It's the love that he's shown, despite how he has treated a loved one, that wins him over for Christ. Before you can share Christ with folks, you gotta show love.
A non-believer said something to me several weeks back that continues to linger in my heart. He said, "One of the things I know about Jesus was that He was supposed to be forgiving." I sat in awe because I recognized how in that moment, my responses, could play such a crucial role towards this individual coming to Christ.
And it was in that moment when I accepted that if I am to lead others to Christ it will be in addition to my lifestyle, and not just from my lip service.
No comments:
Post a Comment