In this article from China Christian Daily, Jiang Zhou provides Christians with advice on how to bring their faith into the workplace. Jiang Zhou gives “six principles” of workplace life that will help Christians apply biblical principles in a Chinese work context.
Six Principles for Faith and Work
How can a young Christian fit better in the workplace and bring faith to work? Here are six principles that may help.
1. Think outside the [Christian] box.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18)
Christians should do their utmost to live at peace with everyone rather than be isolated amongst themselves. Didn't the Lord eat with tax collectors? Didn't Peter and Paul evangelize to the Gentiles and baptize them? It's crucial for Christians to reach out to non-Christians; it’s also God's command that we build winsome relationships with others, including colleagues and supervisors.
2. Demonstrate good character.
O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart. (Psalm 15:1-2)
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
God asks Christians to be light in the world. Since ancient times, China has regarded personal character and conduct as the highest measure of individual morality. Christians, the ambassadors of God's image with a special identity, should present good moral character and conduct for the glory of God.
3. Stay humble.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
Humility is a rare virtue for young Christian professionals. Unfamiliar with a new job, a young Christian should remain modest and consult with colleagues and superiors. By doing so, he can adapt to new work more quickly and also leave a good impression on his fellow workers and superiors.
4. Create an environment of communication.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. (Proverbs 13:20)
Creating a positive interpersonal atmosphere is helpful for one's work. Don't be shy about or get annoyed with communication. Instead, take the initiative to get close to your co-workers and superiors. A positive attitude always receives a friendly response and forges interpersonal relationships faster. For example, a new employee can take advantage of lunch breaks and informal department activities to chat with colleagues.
5. Be proactive in work.
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)
A proactive new employee will undoubtedly win the favor of supervisors and colleagues. New employees should be mindful to avoid the pitfalls of high ambition, low ability, and laziness. Learn to proactively ask questions and take action.
6. Hold on to faith.
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
Some young Christians meet trials and tests of their faith in the workplace: for example, superiors may ask someone to lie or falsify accounts. Christians should never compromise principles or surrender to sin in order to avoid pressure or conflict in the workplace. God will give wisdom on what to do and say under such circumstances. It’s right to object to bad decisions and to cling to faith in the workplace; a refusal to do something against one's beliefs avoids falling into sin and can win the understanding and respect from co-workers and superiors.
Original English Article: “Six Principles for Faith and Work,” China Christian Daily
Edited and reposted with permission.
Image Credit: Learning computer skills by PROWorld Bank Photo Collection via Flickr.
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