This post is the 13th lesson. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!
Christian In The Workplace
I graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) at 20.
Between turning 20 and turning 29, I have worked with different individuals and organizations across diverse sectors of the media and communications industry.
Broadcast Media — FUTA Radio;
Telecommunications — MTN;
ICT— PM Global Technology Service Ltd;
Digital Media — SBI Media;
Amongst others.
You gotta believe me when I say it's not easy being a Christian in the workplace. Right?
Right!
The easiest thing for a 20-something Christian in a secular workplace is to work without "carrying Jesus on the head". Just a little bit of Him would do. Right?
Wrong!
If there is anything I did right in my 20s as it concerns career is to not hide my true identity. I didn't have to be an undercover Christian. I made it known that I was all out for the Lord.
Hallelujah!
And I think that helped me to openly live out the faith.
It’s not like I was starting each day leading the office in prayer, or reciting weekly Bible memory verses. I was being authentic and not faking it.
I was living a transparent life with no pretence.
I was able to stand out, sometimes accompanied with cynical comments—as someone who is antisocial and too good to be true. I didn't have to compromise my standards to be liked.
I was able to do my job, sometimes beyond my job description—as a labour of love and worship for Jesus. I know He sees and appreciates what I do. He will keep using every work experience to build my capacity.
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If you happen to be working a 9-5 in your twenties, you will realize over time that you are spending most time with your colleagues in the office. What better place to prove that you're a Christian?
In Matthew, chapter five, Jesus commands us to make our faith evident to everyone around us. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (NIV)
Living a transparent and authentic life allows your relationship with God to illuminate every environment you enter, even the workplace.
Are You Letting Your Light Shine In Your Office? Are You:
- Reconciling with your boss(es);
- Forgiving your colleagues;
- Handling sexual attraction toward your colleagues a true child of God;
- Working to provide the best service or goods that you can;
- Refusing to do illegal activities;
- Creating ways for the business to operate better;
- Creating an atmosphere of love and kindness;
- Showing empathy;
- A person of integrity;
- Really bearing witness to Christ on the job (which is not about stuffing tracts, playing praise-and-worship music for background, decorating your desk with Christian knick-knacks and doo-dads, or constantly talking about Christ or church programmes);
- Giving the best to your team;
- Discovering how to build one another up, even when the gossip flies;
- Changing the corporate culture;
- Fair and just to those you deal meet, even with those who would drive just about any sane person to sanity's edge. And
- Following peace with all men?
I went through gossip, lies, betrayal, assault, false accusations, etc. And thanks and glory to God for helping me overcome them all and proving myself worthy of my calling.
 |
| At 27. Dancing with one of my bosses at a year-end office party. Oops, I just spilled a secret. Certainly, this' the shortest dress I wore in my twenties. |
Thankful for every person and organization I worked with in my twenties.
I am looking forward to working in a greater dimension and dispensation of grace in my thirties.
* * * *
This is the 13th of #20Lessons20 blog series. Mehn, I'm really enjoying this. 🙂
Please share this post with everyone you love. I appreciate you.
Let me hear your thoughts in the comments.
Stay inspired.
Stay positive.
Stay lovely.
Written by Nwamaka Onyekachi
Let's connect on Twitter: @Amakamedia
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Heart Rays . . . giving light.
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