How to Share Your Faith at WorkSample

Character is a second prerequisite for spiritual influence. Christ-like character engages attention and invites respect. Every human being is created in God’s image, and even those who don’t instinctively know God respect the character traits of the God who designed them. For example, most people value the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Non-Christians note our joy when we work, our peace amid disappointment, and our graciousness and humility toward people who try our patience. Unfortunately, these are too often in short supply for those of us charged with showing Jesus’ character to the world. In 2013, the Barna Group studied hypocrisy among Christians. Among those who self-identified as Christians, 51% indicated that their actions and attitudes were like those of Pharisees (hypocritical, self-righteous, judgmental). In contrast, only 14% indicated they modeled the actions and attitudes of Jesus (selflessness, empathy, love).[1]

If our words are to mean anything to others, they should flow from a life of integrity. Otherwise, our deeds paint our words the color of a lie. Integrity can be especially challenging at work. Christ calls us to live out our Christian values at work as fully as everywhere else, even when we must disadvantage ourselves. When people see that we are not just striking a pose but humbly seeking to live a life of integrity, they notice.

People also take notice, not so much when we fail—which we will—but when we fail to admit that we don’t have it all together. Perhaps more important than getting things right is admitting when we get things wrong, seeking forgiveness, and making amends to those we injure. One of the most attractive elements of character is the humility to accept that we’re not perfect.

Here’s the bottom line. It’s not enough to do good work—there has to be something attractive about our character.

Prayer

Ask God to help you grow in the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—and humility rooted in Christ.

Footnotes

[1] “Christians: More Like Jesus or Pharisees?” The Barna Group, April 30, 2013