Working with Other Chrsitians

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Doreen Magaji on March 16, 2010 at 5:56am

I think I also usually expect more from christians in the work place and that leads to the dissapointment. However something God told me when I was really disillusioned in this regards is that I am only accountable for my actions and so should focus on being a better witness.Other christians have the choice to be good witnesses or not to be and they will have to account for their actions, just as I will. Finally, Judas lived, worked and walked with the master but see how he turned out. Even the Lord had to deal with bad christian witnesses in his time!

Permalink Reply by Keli on March 26, 2010 at 9:41pm

I find it very difficult working with the "so-called Christians" that I work with. I'm not saying I'm perfect at all, I know I'm a sinner too and am far from perfect. One of the draws to this job was that it was a "strong Christian environment". Of course that would depend upon your idea of a good strong group of Christians. It's still a "clique" of those who are of the original group that started and grew with the company. Everyone outside of that are just plain step-children in every sense. I am on my personal spiritual journey to become a better Christian with a personal relationship to God, not just to visit church every Sunday. As I grow spritually, I am more and more frustrated with my co-workers. I thought they'd be a good example, but they seem so selfish and truly uncaring, except for "the few". This is no different than people who come to church expecting a welcoming, caring, environment, and find friendliness only to the familiar. I basically turn myself off at work and keep a separation from the small group, the only group that matters. No matter who is sick, having surgery, fighting a disease, or even a wonderful celebration, doesn't matter. No one cares, no one prays, it is totally insignificant, unless it's a relative of the "few". Then it is all important for us all to pray and inquire about their relative.

This is a big battle since I'm trying to be a good Christian and do the right thing, but also keep a total separtion at work and maintain a work only relationship. I want no part of the game at work, but I'm fighting myself and physically work at no being this way each day. I fight the natural instinct to do good. It isn't just me and that gives me comfort, but there has to be a better solution. I don't like being this way and I'm just guessin I'm wrong no matter what.

Permalink Reply by Ena Collings on March 27, 2010 at 8:16pm

I totally agree with you, I have been in my local church and felt very let down by the lack of morality, and the shallowness of these people. We must always look to Jesus for perfection, because we will never find it in people. He told us "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." and he was right. These are human beings we are dealing with.

We must deal with our own accountability to God, he is the only judge, so we must work on ourselves and let him change us with his Holy Spirit,from the inside.
Its very easy to judge other people and I know many Christian's that do just that, They think they are superior in some way. This sin is called spiritual pride. It is Gods job to judge them not ours.
I want to be at peace, and to do that I must always make Jesus Lord of my life and turn away from my sins.
Max wrote a great poem called the Choice, This is how I want to live.

Permalink Reply by Rosemarie Vest on March 30, 2010 at 11:51am

Nathan,

I have found that some Christian sisters do not feel I'm orthodox enough and are critical I won't ask someone if they've accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. What I choose to do instead is tell them about God's transforming my life. For whatever reason, that seems less threatening. I have worked with non-Christians who try to bait me into an argument. Instead of diving in, I tell them my door is always open when they are ready to listen to my experiences.

Permalink Reply by Ena Collings on March 30, 2010 at 2:14pm

that is the right reply, I do the same myself.

Rosemarie Vest said:

Nathan,

I have found that some Christian sisters do not feel I'm orthodox enough and are critical I won't ask someone if they've accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. What I choose to do instead is tell them about God's transforming my life. For whatever reason, that seems less threatening. I have worked with non-Christians who try to bait me into an argument. Instead of diving in, I tell them my door is always open when they are ready to listen to my experiences.

Permalink Reply by Joyce on March 30, 2010 at 11:03pm

I work for a Christian organization that serves developmentally disable persons. We work together as a "team." We come from all walks of Christian life. Some are born again...some are just born and some us have been around for quite some time, but still learning constantly. The biggest problem is "gossip" Personally I am not sure what it means. I know that as Christian, I do not slander anyone, I do not back stab any one, I don't intentionally hurt others. However do answer questions when another staff asks a question..."why was this not done, or why was this done that way, and if answer and JM did not do her job....I am gossiping...no how is that. Factual information, it is truthful and yet gossip....
Can someone please explain the Biblical laws of gossip.....it is driving me nuts thinking about it......thank you

I pray that everyone be blessed today!!

Permalink Reply by Nathan Haddock on March 31, 2010 at 2:07am

Hi Joyce

In my mind, what you are describing is not gossip. What you are describing would come under the Biblical Principle of "telling the truth in love". This is a good and right thing to do. For me gossiping is about sharing information that is not necessary, usually to make someone else look bad or you look better. With gossiping it doesn't matter whether what you are sharing is true or not it is more a question of whether it is upbuilding, wholesome, encouraging and has all people's interests at heart. To tell your boss, when asked, that someone is not doing their job is fine. To tell you boss that someone is not doing their job, without being asked, but for the good of the company and so that the individual can be bought back into line and imporove their ways is also fine. To tell your boos that someone is not doing their job in order to get them into trouble or to make yourself look better is not fine! It's a;; a question of motives and intentions.

Also with regards to gossip I always try to remember 2 things. 1. When sharing something about someone else, would I want that info shared if I were the person involved? 2. Whoever gossips to you will almost certainly gossip about you!

I hope this helps but do come back to me if you need any further clarification on what I've said.

Joyce McAllister said:

I work for a Christian organization that serves developmentally disable persons. We work together as a "team." We come from all walks of Christian life. Some are born again...some are just born and some us have been around for quite some time, but still learning constantly. The biggest problem is "gossip" Personally I am not sure what it means. I know that as Christian, I do not slander anyone, I do not back stab any one, I don't intentionally hurt others. However do answer questions when another staff asks a question..."why was this not done, or why was this done that way, and if answer and JM did not do her job....I am gossiping...no how is that. Factual information, it is truthful and yet gossip....
Can someone please explain the Biblical laws of gossip.....it is driving me nuts thinking about it......thank you

I pray that everyone be blessed today!!

Permalink Reply by Desiree on March 31, 2010 at 10:05am

Hi Joyce, I agree with Nathan. What you are describing is not "gossiping" you have done nothing wrong in answering a question truthfully. Gossiping is when someone spreads information about someone else and its usually done with unfavorable intent and to make themselves look favorable in another person's eyes. I would say to you "no worries" the way you're handling this is open and honest.

Have a blessed day!

Joyce said:

I work for a Christian organization that serves developmentally disable persons. We work together as a "team." We come from all walks of Christian life. Some are born again...some are just born and some us have been around for quite some time, but still learning constantly. The biggest problem is "gossip" Personally I am not sure what it means. I know that as Christian, I do not slander anyone, I do not back stab any one, I don't intentionally hurt others. However do answer questions when another staff asks a question..."why was this not done, or why was this done that way, and if answer and JM did not do her job....I am gossiping...no how is that. Factual information, it is truthful and yet gossip....
Can someone please explain the Biblical laws of gossip.....it is driving me nuts thinking about it......thank you

I pray that everyone be blessed today!!