The Faith in the Workplace Struggle…

Have you ever struggled with how to live out your Christian faith in the workplace as a business owner?
You want to make a positive difference for the Kingdom of God. You desire to share the wonderful good news of the freedom that Jesus has brought to your life, but how do you do that in an effective way.
In today’s world it seems like there is more and more opposition to living our faith openly in the workplace.  And yet… we know that Jesus did most of his miracles and ministry outside of the temple.
Jesus said that we are the light of the world. He also said that a city on a hill cannot be hidden. So how are we to be that light in the marketplace, in our daily lives, out jobs,our work,  our businesses, or as entrepreneurs. How do we become that light everywhere we go?
We have a choice.  We can keep quiet and hold the wonderful good news of Jesus in, letting the people around us continue to suffer in darkness or we can find a way to communicate clearly and effectively.
[Tweet “we strive to speak in a way that is heard, received, and understood. “]
Now I am not talking about “preaching at” people.  Effective communication is defined by what the listener hears, not what we say.  Therefore, we strive to speak in a way that is heard, received, and understood.
This struggle is not unique to us.  The Apostle Paul spoke about it in 2 Corinthians 4.  He said, “we have this treasure (The good news of Jesus) in jars of Clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
Sometimes I think we forget this. We think that to show God’s glory, we have to be all cleaned up, pretty, look nice and always have it together. But Paul says were jars of clay.  Clay jars are lowly vessels and the glory comes from God.
[Tweet “Be that earthen vessel so that God’s glory can be revealed”]
So this is my challenge to you today… if you want to shine the light of Jesus everywhere you go, then be real.  Be that earthen vessel so that God’s glory can be revealed.
Otherwise, it’s our own glory that were showing. When we are humble, real, authentic earthen vessels, then people are drawn to us and the power and the light of Jesus can be fulfilled in our lives.
In the same way that we couldn’t pay the price for our sins, we can’t clean up our act and show His glory. We have to throw ourselves at the mercy of the cross and allow Jesus’ power and glory to shine through us.

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This above all:
To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.

 – Hamlet, Shakespeare

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People are crying out for authenticity and it’s time that we gave it to them.  Have a great week.  Let the light of God’s glory shine though you. Make the difficult choice to be real and authentic with someone today.  It is ok to not be perfect.

• Brian

[Tweet “It is ok to not be perfect. “]