The
Christian At Work
Introduction: Jesus prayed for the
apostles in John 17:15 as follows: “I do not pray that you
should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them
from the evil one." We, as followers of Christ, must learn to
live in the world without becoming like it. We are not to wear
our Christianity only inside the church building and then take
it off outside. This is particularly important in the workplace.
How do we navigate the workplace without becoming like many of
our co-workers? How do we let our light shine at work? It is to
these questions that we now turn our attention.
1.
Work is ordained by God.
From the very beginning of mankind's history, God
has desired for man to labor in the same capacity (Genesis
2:15). Therefore, work or labor is not inherently evil; rather,
it was made more difficult because of sin (Genesis 3:17-19).
The New Testament reinforces the principle that
work is ordained by God (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Brother Leroy
Brownlow, in his book The Christians' Everyday Problems, lists
several reasons why work is beneficial for people. For instance,
it strengthens both our mind and body; one cannot truly
appreciate rest unless one understands what work is. A lack of
labor and activity can lead to idleness and being a busybody (1
Peter 4:15), among other issues.
2.
Christians Should be Obedient in
the Workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9).
a.
Obedience is emphasized. This is,
of course, as long as we are not told to do something that
violates God's law. “We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts
5:29). We are to be in subjection to our employers, even if they
are harsh (1 Peter 2:18).
b.
These verses tell us that we are
submissive to our masters because we are truly serving the Lord
when we do so (Colossians 3:22-24).
c.
The Christian performs his work not
just when the boss is looking but at all times. This is pleasing
to the Lord.
3.
Christians Must Remember Who They
Are
We belong to Christ on Monday as well as on
Sunday. Consider Titus 2:9-10. Note that Christians are, first
and foremost, to be honest. Christians should be the most honest
employees in the company. We are guided by a higher standard.
Christians should be trustworthy in all things. By being like
our Master, we adorn the doctrine before our earthly masters.
Similar to 1 Timothy 6:1, others should see God in us.
4.
Some Observations About the
Workplace
a.
We should let our employers know
our religious obligations and then be consistent. If you inform
your employer that you cannot work on Sundays, but later learn
that the company is offering double pay for those shifts and
decide to work, where's your consistency? Where is your
faithfulness? Are you truly putting the Kingdom first?
b.
Christians should consider job
promotions, among other things, in terms of how they will affect
their service to God. Will it result in less time for family and
church?
c.
A Christian should never become a
slave to their job. Christians must avoid being lured by
materialism.
d.
Christians should avoid every form
of evil in the workplace. Office pools—lottery pools—are simply
another form of gambling, which is a sin!
e.
Christians should sow the seed of
the Kingdom in the workplace. They should have tracks available
and keep their Bible handy. During breaks and lunch periods,
they should always be willing to answer a coworker's religious
questions.
Conclusion:
a Christian can genuinely let his light shine in the workplace.
This may influence those around him, and hopefully, some will be
drawn to the cause of Christ. What about you? Are you on the
Lord's side? Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of sins?
February, 2025
Sermon prepared
by Bobby Stafford
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford
The church of
Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more
lessons and Sermons, please visit
https://granbychurchofchrist.org/
https://granbychurchofchrist.com/
The
church of Christ
