How can a young Christian fit better in the workplace and bring faith to work? Here are five principles that may help.
1. Think outside the box.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.(Romans 12:18)
The verse says that Christians should do their utmost to live at peace with everyone rather than be isolated. It's an ideological limitation that Christians only associate with Christians. Didn't the Lord eat with tax collectors? Didn't Peter and Paul evangelize to the Gentiles and baptize them? It's essential and also God's requirement to build harmonious relations with colleagues and superiors.
2. Show good character.
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart; (Psalm 15:1-2)
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)
God asks Christians to be light in the world. Since ancient times, China regards personal qualities and conduct as the top standard for personal assessment. Christians, the ambassadors of God's image with a precious 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. Issac Newton said, "Modest for advantages like the shadow in the picture, will make it more powerful, more outstanding."
Unfamiliar with a new job, a young Christian should stay modest and consult with colleagues and superiors. As a result, 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.
Walk with the wise and become wise. (Proverbs 13:20)
Creating a positive interpersonal climate is helpful to one's work. Don't be shy or hate trouble during communication, but 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.
Sometimes a novice can chat with colleagues at lunch and join in informal department activities.
5. Be proactive in work.
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)
A proactive novice definitely wins the favor of supervisors and colleagues. The greatest taboos for novices are high ambition, low ability, and laziness. Learn to proactively find questions and take action.
6. Hold on to faith.
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
Some young Christians meet trials and tests of their faith: for example, superiors may ask one to lie or falsify accounts. Before trials in the workplace, Christians should never seek peace at the sacrifice of principles or surrender to sin. God will give wisdom on what to do and say under certain circumstances. Actually, it's not a bad thing to stick to faith in the workplace; a refusal to do something against one's belief can prevent falling into sin and win the understanding and respect from co-workers and superiors.
- Translated by Karen Luo
