I’ve always said that perception trumps reality. It doesn’t matter what the truth may be, if our projected image doesn’t back it up. And the bible tells us that we shall be known by our fruits – it’s the basic underlying principle that lifted up the widow who emptied her purse against the rich man who gave so much, but only a tiny portion of what he had.
As Christians it’s easy to think that we need to blend in to our surroundings, in order that we can maintain our witness, and maintain that opportunity to witness to others.
In my truck driving jobs I was routinely ostracised by my colleagues, and managers, when I stuck rigidly to speed limits. However, sometimes, I’d found myself alone with a driver and they regularly told me how much respect they had for me, but knew they couldn’t never drive the same way. They wanted to, but didn’t have the courage to do so because of the other drivers (who also, generally, wanted to drive legally too).
I randomly met one of those drivers, quite a few years later. My boss had followed my following career change – setting up a high street shop – with obvious pride for one of ‘his’ former drivers. He would speak of me often, and it seems there was no small amount of pride at what I had gone on to do.
If there was a line up of people in your workplace, would you be picked out as being a Christian? Or would that finger move on to somebody else, and skip over you, because you were too silent and hidden about your love for Jesus Christ?
We don’t have to go around with a large bible, holding loud prayer meetings on our lunch breaks – that isn’t a good strategy to endear people towards you! But we should be obviously Christian through our actions.
In our workplace, our professionalism should shine out because of our faith. Does your faith stand out enough to be seen through your work ethic?
Actions matter, because that is how people judge us. The bible even tells us that we will be known by our fruit (what we are seen to do).
So be careful what people see of you!! Do be authentic. But, never hide your love for Jesus – you can’t possibly know who needs that most, next. When they have a need, will they know that they can be safe to turn to you?
Just a thought…
Andy B
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