Bring your faith up naturally when it's appropriate.
| posted 1/30/2009
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"I don't want to be pushy." "I might offend somebody." "Maybe they aren't ready to listen." "If I talk about Jesus at work, I'll get in trouble with my supervisor."
No doubt you've grappled with these typical concerns when you think about sharing your faith with your coworkers—and each one is legitimate. We've heard enough stories about Christians who do the hard sell and turn off everybody around them. You may even hear stories like that in your own workplace, stories about somebody who used to work there. Certainly you don't want to be a repeat offender.
On the other hand, don't let your fear of being pushy shut your mouth entirely. If you're that conscious of offending people, listen carefully to your own words, and you won't trample on others' feelings.
Paul encouraged Timothy, "Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord" (1:8). Be alert to the Holy Spirit's promptings to take advantage of openings that come up naturally in conversation. Just be scrupulous not to steal time from your employer—God put you in that place to do a job, and your faithfulness to it is an important part of your witness. If you talk to your coworker and he's not interested in hearing about the Lord, respect his feelings. Your wise restraint may later open a door through which you can move boldly. (See also 2 Corinthians 4:1-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12; 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2.)
Good Words to Remember:
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind …. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 1:7; 2:15
Today's Challenge:
Is the Holy Spirit prompting you to talk with someone today?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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