“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” – Joel 3:14
Life is full of choices. Some carry significant benefits and, simultaneously, serious risks.
These decisions can be difficult. Their pondering often leads to a basic, formulaic question: “What’s the worst that could happen?”
It’s not a bad thought. If we’re making a decision with potentially serious consequences, it’s smart to consider all of them.
The flip side? Dwelling on the worst possible outcomes can spur fear, doubt and hesitation. We might miss out on golden opportunities to propel our careers, families and lives.
Should we offer to lead the new big project at work? Might we volunteer to speak at a public event for an organization we support? Can we start the business we’ve long dreamt of?
All have very real potential to crash and burn. We might wind up embarrassed, shamed or even broke. Or, we might discover a hidden personal superpower – one we never suspected – that opens new doors we couldn’t have imagined.
The Worst-Case Scenario always exists. And if it happens … so what? In life’s big picture, do we not believe we’d have room (and fortitude) to bounce back?
Whom are You Working For?
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24
Think about where you spend most of your time. For many, it’s at work. Careers easily consume much of life’s bandwidth. Some people spend more time with coworkers than family.
Given all the time you spend there, have you ever thought about sharing the love of Jesus Christ in the workplace? Chances are slim. Most Christians blindly accept it’s a no-no. The unspoken wall of faith and work can’t be breached, right?
Besides, think about the Worst-Case Scenario. Fellow employees might not accept your outreach. You could be mocked. You might even wind up in HR!
If these things were to happen … so what? Who are you really accountable to? Who are you trying to impress – man, or the Son of Man?
As Christians, we’re beholden to God’s directives. We should obey the Ten Commandments. Reflect God’s love through our actions. Carry out the Great Commission.
Yet, how do we honor the Great Commission without speaking up? Are we afraid of being called to HR, or attacked by cancel culture, or finding ourselves in Facebook Jail?
Servants of Christ are willing to take these risks. Given the workplace’s status as abundantly fertile ground for evangelism, witnessing at the office is almost a natural. Every coworker can potentially be brought to Christ (if they aren’t there already).
Ask yourself: Did God put you in this place for a reason? Can you pray for strength and guidance, to shine Christ’s light into a space that (likely) hasn’t experienced it? Are you willing to say, “Let it start with me?”
Taking the Holy Chance
“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” – Psalms 128:2
The notion that we can’t practice faith from 9 to 5 on weekdays defines “antiquated.” With all the accommodations workplaces make for people of different abilities and backgrounds, how is tolerating Christian behavior so outlandish?
Still, you might still be hesitant. Try these best practices on for size when practicing evangelism at the office:
- Act like Christ: While we’ll never be flawless and free of sin as Jesus was, we can do our best to emulate Him. Practice empathy. Avoid gossip. Behave ethically. Let actions, not words, reflect Whose you are.
- Expect God to use you: In Matthew 14, Peter walks on the water while holding eyes with Christ. He sinks only when he looks away. God has your back, if you trust Him. Expect great things to happen, including some positive response from others.
- Share the load: You can’t minister to an entire office solo. Find others interested in starting a prayer group. Assign floors to specific disciples. Above all, don’t worry who gets the credit for success.
- Focus on a few: Many will not accept your gestures. Think quality, not quantity. If a few people join in, you’re doing well.
- Pray like crazy: The Bible instructs us to pray constantly. How many do? Still, pray for the Holy Spirit to enter and guide you. Pray for strength and opportunities to share the Word. Don’t just make requests, either – have a conversation with God, and see if revelations don’t follow.
Your work life can be a fruitful ministry, to preach to others and open hearts and minds. When God enters in, love, care and compassion follow. Few would term this outcome a Worst-Case Scenario.
Wouldn’t it be more like a “best?”
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
