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When God created mankind, He bestowed spiritual gifts and talents upon His creation, preparing them in advance so they might go out into the world and serve Him.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,” according to James 1:17.
Regardless of what one’s talents are, Christians are called to serve others, which can be done under many circumstances, including secular jobs.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms,” according to 1 Peter 4:10.
It is important that while putting one’s God-given talents to use in the secular work world, Christians strive to lead a Christian life. However, maintaining this lifestyle can sometimes prove to be difficult, according to The Everyday Faith Company.
“At church or a ministry, it’s expected and encouraged to freely talk about your relationship with Christ and provide words of spiritual encouragement,” according to The Everyday Faith Company. “But in the secular workplace, it’s not exactly the norm to read Scripture at the beginning of meetings or pray with coworkers before a decision is made.”
So, how can Christians approach their secular job environment while keeping their faith at the center?
“Being a Christian at work and in all areas of life requires work and dedication,” Billy Hallowell wrote in an article on balancing a Christians lifestyle in a secular work environment for the Great American Pureflix Insider.
The Lord calls His children to speak in grace to everyone, and this principle applies to the workplace, Hallowell wrote. Christians should be mindful of the words they speak as well as the actions they take around their colleagues — they are representing the Christian faith.
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Showing Godly love to colleagues and bosses is an impactful way to demonstrate the marks of a Godly life, according to The Everyday Faith Company.
“Part of Godly leadership is always being willing to help someone out and be a kind listening ear,” Hallowell wrote. “This is another way you can seek to live out your faith in the workplace.”
Spreading the Word of God goes beyond Sunday services or gatherings with fellow Christians. Scripture calls us to be bold and unashamed of speaking the name of Jesus. Christians can display this mindset at the workplace by sharing their faith in appropriate moments, Hallowell wrote.
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Transparency about one’s faith in the workplace is important, according to The Everyday Faith Company.
“Don’t be afraid or ashamed to talk about your faith or let others know Christ is the Lord of your life,” according to The Everyday Faith Company.
Working in a secular environment can sometimes cause temptation to conform or compromise one’s faith, according to the Everyday Faith Company. However, Christians are called to give all of themselves, including their jobs and relationships in the workplace, to the Lord.
“Keeping Colossians 3:23-24 in mind is a helpful way to infuse you with God-given energy in the workplace,” Hallowell wrote. “People will see this devotion, and it can serve as a powerful testament to your decision to authentically live out your faith.”
Discipleship is not limited to a body of believers who have exactly the same way of living out their faith. God gifted His children with special talents, and Christians can use these talents to reach the entire world, including secular workfields.
Believers can become examples to nonbelievers, spreading the love of God and showing them what it is like to lead a life of faith, even through work.
Shelby grew up in the Bay Area in California. She is currently a junior studying Journalism and Integrated Media with a Concentration in Writing and Publishing at Biola University. She hopes to pursue a career as a writer or editor.
