Keeping a Christian life while working in a non-christian environment

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FerOZ

FerOZ

New member
#1
Jun 28, 2018
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3
#1
I'm a young adult working in a non-christian environment, with a lot of non-Christian co-workers and superiors. I like my job, it's amazing, but at the same time, I feel like I tend to be subdued to the majority of the culture. What's your advice to keep a healthy Christian life in this situation? I don't want to leave my job, I need it to live, but I want to be loyal to christ. What is your advice? Thank you in advance!
 
T

TheIndianGirl

Guest
#2
#2
What are you seeing or hearing in your workplace that is making you feel uncomfortable?

At my work, we don't really talk about religion or politics but I know for a fact that most everyone is liberal politically and either non-religious or cultural Christians (there are some Muslims and other religions also). When the topic comes up I give my view (for example my coworker thought JWs and Mormans are Christians) but otherwise I don't talk about religion or politics. The best you can do is be "Christ-like" at work.
 
SoulWeaver

SoulWeaver

Senior Member
#3
Oct 25, 2014
4,889
2,534
113
#3
Ahh, it can be tough. Or it can be okay, depends on the people. Some are not so bad to be around, and it's all right to work with them, but some others will observe you very carefully, finding anything to criticize or accuse you about, because you're a believer, people do this to justify themselves in their own eyes. I am praying for your sake that it will be all right. And that God will use you in some way to help these people, you might be there with a purpose, you might not even be led to say anything... just your presence and your peace can speak volumes to people and if you equip yourself with His peace, people will think of God when they look at you and they will want what you have. Don't build a wall around yourself in fear, people will read it as arrogance and looking down on them, even though it's not it.

I think a good idea would be to increase control what you're exposed to by increasing your exposure to the Scripture, to strengthen your mind so you don't slip because being around people can wear out. I used to play audio Bible recordings a lot, on my way home on headphones and while I do chores in the house. Not sure what is the job like or how exactly would you be subdued to their "culture", but that's just what I can think of and something I did when I was in your situation.
 
Rosemaryx

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
#4
May 3, 2017
3,757
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#4
Matthew 5:13-16
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

God has placed us in this world to shine , and when people see you , they see Christ in you...
Jesus prayed that He does not want God to take us out from this world , so as long as you are doing your job , and not mingling in the fruits of life style that your friends are doing , then keep shining...

Don`t follow the crowd , no matter how much their life dazzles , the sparkle is a trap , just stay true to God , He will lead you through His Holy Spirit...

Temptations are all about you , resist the devil and he will flee...
...xox...
 
Aerials1978

Aerials1978

Well-known member
#5
Dec 10, 2019
1,707
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#5
You’re in world that has no place for Jesus. Whether in the workplace, grocery store, or even your own neighborhood.

Do your job well and as long as the duties before you are ethical and does not hinder the will of God you’ll be right.
 
AndyMaleh

AndyMaleh

Well-known member
#6
Jun 26, 2020
863
532
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44
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
#6
FerOZ said:
I'm a young adult working in a non-christian environment, with a lot of non-Christian co-workers and superiors. I like my job, it's amazing, but at the same time, I feel like I tend to be subdued to the majority of the culture. What's your advice to keep a healthy Christian life in this situation? I don't want to leave my job, I need it to live, but I want to be loyal to christ. What is your advice? Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Sorry, but I personally don't see value in working at environments that do not serve Christian values. I've left jobs that were extremely highly paying just because the people in them were hurting society and themselves by making a lot of money. I don't feel any loss, yet gain by leaving them. I am much happier without any of the money or prestige in those jobs. Besides, I already experienced that when I was younger and outgrown it. The challenge of living a Christian life is a lot more interesting and fun. It keeps life fresh, let alone all the good it hopefully yields in the lives of others.

So, I don't really have advice in line with what you're asking for other than perhaps marrying someone who could help you live a more Christian life by not "needing" any job with godless people to begin with.

Godspeed.

p.s. of course most importantly, not living per Jesus Christ's commands lands us in Hell. That's a more important reason to live the best Christian life we could and avoid godless things.
 
FerOZ

FerOZ

New member
#7
Jun 28, 2018
12
16
3
#7
TheIndianGirl said:
What are you seeing or hearing in your workplace that is making you feel uncomfortable?

At my work, we don't really talk about religion or politics but I know for a fact that most everyone is liberal politically and either non-religious or cultural Christians (there are some Muslims and other religions also). When the topic comes up I give my view (for example my coworker thought JWs and Mormans are Christians) but otherwise I don't talk about religion or politics. The best you can do is be "Christ-like" at work.
Click to expand...
Usually I don't feel uncomfortable, it's just sometimes topics arrive during work where I could be more open with my opinions about what I believe.

Thank you for sharing.
 
FerOZ

FerOZ

New member
#8
Jun 28, 2018
12
16
3
#8
SoulWeaver said:
Ahh, it can be tough. Or it can be okay, depends on the people. Some are not so bad to be around, and it's all right to work with them, but some others will observe you very carefully, finding anything to criticize or accuse you about, because you're a believer, people do this to justify themselves in their own eyes. I am praying for your sake that it will be all right. And that God will use you in some way to help these people, you might be there with a purpose, you might not even be led to say anything... just your presence and your peace can speak volumes to people and if you equip yourself with His peace, people will think of God when they look at you and they will want what you have. Don't build a wall around yourself in fear, people will read it as arrogance and looking down on them, even though it's not it.

I think a good idea would be to increase control what you're exposed to by increasing your exposure to the Scripture, to strengthen your mind so you don't slip because being around people can wear out. I used to play audio Bible recordings a lot, on my way home on headphones and while I do chores in the house. Not sure what is the job like or how exactly would you be subdued to their "culture", but that's just what I can think of and something I did when I was in your situation.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much, I'll take your advice
 
FerOZ

FerOZ

New member
#9
Jun 28, 2018
12
16
3
#9
Rosemaryx said:
Matthew 5:13-16
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

God has placed us in this world to shine , and when people see you , they see Christ in you...
Jesus prayed that He does not want God to take us out from this world , so as long as you are doing your job , and not mingling in the fruits of life style that your friends are doing , then keep shining...

Don`t follow the crowd , no matter how much their life dazzles , the sparkle is a trap , just stay true to God , He will lead you through His Holy Spirit...

Temptations are all about you , resist the devil and he will flee...
...xox...
Click to expand...
Thank you, youre right.
 
cinder

cinder

Senior Member
#10
Mar 26, 2014
4,433
2,419
113
#10
FerOZ said:
I'm a young adult working in a non-christian environment, with a lot of non-Christian co-workers and superiors. I like my job, it's amazing, but at the same time, I feel like I tend to be subdued to the majority of the culture. What's your advice to keep a healthy Christian life in this situation? I don't want to leave my job, I need it to live, but I want to be loyal to christ. What is your advice? Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Hard to give much good advice without more specifics, but it sounds like this is more a conflict of feeling like a lesser Christian because you don't feel compelled to confront all the non-Christian things surrounding you. And I would say that your loyalty to Christ is proven more by your actions and your conduct than by the arguments you get into (or win). And I'd say your best bet is to focus on showing the fruit of the spirit as much as possible. So be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, virtuous, gentle, faithful, and self controlled. If you do that and do that well, people who are paying attention will notice and perhaps in time you'll be in that situation described in 1 Peter where people are asking about the hope that you have, and you'll be able to answer them with gentleness and respect. The other advice I'd have, is to ask God to remind you as often as you need it, that even the worst and most antagonizing of your co-workers is someone that he loves and longs to rescue from their sinful, empty way of life.

And get yourself some positive peer pressure, a good small group or sunday school class or CC forum friends; but find a way to add people to your life who will reinforce and refine your values and convictions to be more and more like Christ. Daily Bible reading and prayer helps, but community is also essential.
 
FerOZ

FerOZ

New member
#11
Jun 28, 2018
12
16
3
#11
cinder said:
Hard to give much good advice without more specifics, but it sounds like this is more a conflict of feeling like a lesser Christian because you don't feel compelled to confront all the non-Christian things surrounding you. And I would say that your loyalty to Christ is proven more by your actions and your conduct than by the arguments you get into (or win). And I'd say your best bet is to focus on showing the fruit of the spirit as much as possible. So be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, virtuous, gentle, faithful, and self controlled. If you do that and do that well, people who are paying attention will notice and perhaps in time you'll be in that situation described in 1 Peter where people are asking about the hope that you have, and you'll be able to answer them with gentleness and respect. The other advice I'd have, is to ask God to remind you as often as you need it, that even the worst and most antagonizing of your co-workers is someone that he loves and longs to rescue from their sinful, empty way of life.

And get yourself some positive peer pressure, a good small group or sunday school class or CC forum friends; but find a way to add people to your life who will reinforce and refine your values and convictions to be more and more like Christ. Daily Bible reading and prayer helps, but community is also essential.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. I'll try to do this
 
Lanolin

Lanolin

Well-known member
#15
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#15
Hard to know
I sometimes meet teachers in training that are christians...but it seems most teachers in my school arent (as it isnt a christian school) so Jesus and God doesnt really get talked about or expressed everyday

I miss the spiritual conversations I could be having I think, but not having worked in a christian workplace I couldnt really tell you what the difference would be...?

Being in the minority hasnt bothered me though as I am used to it. It doesnt mean I have to be like eveyone else as long as I am faithful to God and His word cant be taken away from me since its in my heart.
 
christian74

christian74

Senior Member
#16
Oct 1, 2013
594
282
63
#16
FerOZ said:
I'm a young adult working in a non-christian environment, with a lot of non-Christian co-workers and superiors. I like my job, it's amazing, but at the same time, I feel like I tend to be subdued to the majority of the culture. What's your advice to keep a healthy Christian life in this situation? I don't want to leave my job, I need it to live, but I want to be loyal to christ. What is your advice? Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
I think most people do work in a non-Christian environment so I believe this is fairly common. I believe it is pretty straight forward: You will be fine as long as you have your daily relationship with God and do your job faithfully/diligently while keeping boundaries with things that you know will compromise your Christian faith (you just don't let that come into your sphere - let them know you are Christian and it is against your faith). From my experience of observing others, people will know who is actively practicing Christian (opening the Bible during break, praying before lunch, etc), and often times your presence there may perhaps be the only Christ and the Gospel they see and hear about. While I do not know the nature of your job, if you have come to the point where you had to weigh between your loyalty to Christ and your liking with your job, then I would do what is necessary and proper (Or keep your loyalty and faith in Christ while working there, being salt and light in that place). At the end of the day, at the end of the day my friend.. you wanna be at where God wants you to be so I would also pray about it. God bless.
 
christian74

christian74

Senior Member
#17
Oct 1, 2013
594
282
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#17
And.. one more thing, keep where you work to yourself - no need to share it here.
 
Ultimateprepper

Ultimateprepper

Banned
#18
Dec 16, 2020
166
38
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Texas
#18
FerOZ said:
I'm a young adult working in a non-christian environment, with a lot of non-Christian co-workers and superiors. I like my job, it's amazing, but at the same time, I feel like I tend to be subdued to the majority of the culture. What's your advice to keep a healthy Christian life in this situation? I don't want to leave my job, I need it to live, but I want to be loyal to christ. What is your advice? Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law : and nothing shall offend them. Just keep walking in the spirit. Psalms 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word. Don't get caught up in mens beliefs contrary to Gods word. I hope these verses help.
 
Dino246

Dino246

Senior Member
#19
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
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#19
Cinder suggested 'positive peer pressure', and I agree. A small group of Christian friends with whom you share and pray will be very beneficial. Many churches foster small groups among their members; if yours doesn't, then I would encourage you to find at least a few friends within yours. Even a couple who are mature in Christ and are willing to spend time with you will benefit.

There is a two-part key in all of that: accountability and encouragement. Both are valuable. :)
 
J

Johnjo

Guest
#20
#20
FerOZ said:
I'm a young adult working in a non-christian environment, with a lot of non-Christian co-workers and superiors. I like my job, it's amazing, but at the same time, I feel like I tend to be subdued to the majority of the culture. What's your advice to keep a healthy Christian life in this situation? I don't want to leave my job, I need it to live, but I want to be loyal to christ. What is your advice? Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Well, my experience is that the best thing to do is to blend in with the crowd at first, without compromising your own set of values. When time passes you can be expressing your faith more freely, but in a way that doesn’t make people push back. I’ve seen quite a few very outgoing believers ruining the work of Christ because they can’t but holler at people.
 
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