Working with unbelievers...

[evangelist6589]

Its very difficult at times. I work in a environment where most cuss, talk bad, and smoke/drink. I do not do this, however I have not condemned anyone for doing so. My attitude is to work hard and for the Lord. I notice that many sit around and chit/chat and are quite lazy. However as the rules of positive/negative reinforcement go I do not believe I am a fit for the environment. However I represent Christ and strive to be like Him. However what this means is that my errors will be spotlighted while others will be minimized or ignored. I also will be falsely accused. I work 50 hours a week but most are working 60-100 hours a week. The boss works at least 15 hours a day 6-7 days a week. I strive to save time for family and ministry, however perhaps this may mean that negative things will happen to me, but all is in Gods control. When its the right timing I will go elsewhere, or perhaps I will stay here. I mean I try to be polite and humble, however if one does not like me it will not matter. Advice?

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

Let Your Light Shine.....

Brother...as tough as I know that must be it sounds to me like you are working in your very own mission field. Let your light so shine......:saint:

Bro.Greg:saint:

 

[righteousdude2]

Been there....

....done that!

I understand your concerns. Because of a divorce, the majority of my career has been spent in secular employment. And secular employment eqautes to all the negative things I read in your OP!

All you can do is make sure you, your heart, mind and spirit are "blood covered" before, during and after you return from work every day!

Now some of you on the board may think that to "blood cover" is something from the charismatic doctrines, and while it may well be....I found that it really helped me to leave the negative influences at the place I worked, not bringing them home with me! BTW - my wife also prayed for me, which meant I had that second party in prayer to assure that God was going to do what I asked in Jesus name!

When I say "blood cover" yourself, it is as simple as praying before work, during work [remember we were told to pray without "ceasing"], and on your way home!

This will clear your mind, heart and spirit of the disgusting things, words and negative spirit that your employment surrounds, confronts and accosts you with while you continue to support your family [you need to work]!

I spent my career in work with youth, teens and families. I loved what I did, but, some of the people, and the environemnt itself, was at times morally disgusting! To prayerfully cover oneself, is one way to keep you focused on what the Lord has for you!raying:

May He richly bless and keep you! In Jesus I thank you for your candidness! :thumbsup:

Pastor Paul raying:

 

[Mexdeaf]

I would rather work with unbelievers than with Christians. I've done both and, sad to say, I have found that unbelievers are prone to treat those that they work with more honesty than most Christians do.

 

[evangelist6589]

....done that!

I understand your concerns. Because of a divorce, the majority of my career has been spent in secular employment. And secular employment eqautes to all the negative things I read in your OP!

All you can do is make sure you, your heart, mind and spirit are "blood covered" before, during and after you return from work every day!

Now some of you on the board may think that to "blood cover" is something from the charismatic doctrines, and while it may well be....I found that it really helped me to leave the negative influences at the place I worked, not bringing them home with me! BTW - my wife also prayed for me, which meant I had that second party in prayer to assure that God was going to do what I asked in Jesus name!

When I say "blood cover" yourself, it is as simple as praying before work, during work [remember we were told to pray without "ceasing"], and on your way home!

This will clear your mind, heart and spirit of the disgusting things, words and negative spirit that your employment surrounds, confronts and accosts you with while you continue to support your family [you need to work]!

I spent my career in work with youth, teens and families. I loved what I did, but, some of the people, and the environemnt itself, was at times morally disgusting! To prayerfully cover oneself, is one way to keep you focused on what the Lord has for you!raying:

May He richly bless and keep you! In Jesus I thank you for your candidness! :thumbsup:

Pastor Paul raying:

Thank you Pastor Paul. It difficult because they have said I do not take my work seriously because I am not working 60-100 hours a week but instead work 50 hours which is the standard. Also I have been falsely accused and my errors, or thought to be errors are heavier in emphasis than others. I notice lots and lots of problems in their inventory, pick sheets, counts, and such at this warehouse. I go to a location and the product is not there, has not been counted correctly and such, etc.. It seems as if its perfectly okay for others whom fit in with the team to make errors, but when I make one....
Well I can only be a witness for the Lord as that is my goal.

 

[evangelist6589]

Brother...as tough as I know that must be it sounds to me like you are working in your very own mission field. Let your light so shine......:saint:

Bro.Greg:saint:

That you Greg I will for as long as the Lord has me there. I do not try to cuss, smoke, or drink, and therefore I do not normally take breaks with them. I also have no interest in Dungeons and Dragons. I may get falsely accused of not being a "team player" and my errors may be heavier in emphasis, and my good qualities ignored, but I will be there for as long as the Lord has me.

 

[saturneptune]

I would rather work with unbelievers than with Christians. I've done both and, sad to say, I have found that unbelievers are prone to treat those that they work with more honesty than most Christians do.

And that is the truth. The same principle exists with those you only come in contact with on Sunday morning with their smiles super glued to their face. Another post talked about working around cursing, beer drinking, and smoking. First of all, beer and smoking is not allowed anywhere I have ever worked. Secondly, the cursing can be stopped by filing a harassment complaint. The premise of putting up with the above in the workplace is unfounded. That is not to speak of the ones in a Christian vocation who do the same thing.

Also, since when is smoking a sin? Smoke and mirrors.

 

[saturneptune]

Its very difficult at times. I work in a environment where most cuss, talk bad, and smoke/drink. I do not do this, however I have not condemned anyone for doing so. My attitude is to work hard and for the Lord. I notice that many sit around and chit/chat and are quite lazy. However as the rules of positive/negative reinforcement go I do not believe I am a fit for the environment. However I represent Christ and strive to be like Him. However what this means is that my errors will be spotlighted while others will be minimized or ignored. I also will be falsely accused. I work 50 hours a week but most are working 60-100 hours a week. The boss works at least 15 hours a day 6-7 days a week. I strive to save time for family and ministry, however perhaps this may mean that negative things will happen to me, but all is in Gods control. When its the right timing I will go elsewhere, or perhaps I will stay here. I mean I try to be polite and humble, however if one does not like me it will not matter. Advice?

My advice to you is to realize that you are there to support a family. As I said, the cursing can be stopped by whatever your company's policy is towards harassment. As far as telling your coworkers about Jesus, common sense usually lets you know the time and place. I would guess it would be on a break or at lunch.

 

[clark thompson]

While it is difficult at times, I see as an chance to shine the light in darkness.

 

[evangelist6589]

And that is the truth. The same principle exists with those you only come in contact with on Sunday morning with their smiles super glued to their face. Another post talked about working around cursing, beer drinking, and smoking. First of all, beer and smoking is not allowed anywhere I have ever worked. Secondly, the cursing can be stopped by filing a harassment complaint. The premise of putting up with the above in the workplace is unfounded. That is not to speak of the ones in a Christian vocation who do the same thing.

Also, since when is smoking a sin? Smoke and mirrors.

There are millions of companies out there so do not assume that your experience dictates every company. Filing a harassment complaint? They are not cursing at me but they may in season. When I first interviewed I thought I was not getting the job because I was told I needed to be able to tolerate a environment where everyone cussed.

 

[evangelist6589]

My advice to you is to realize that you are there to support a family. As I said, the cursing can be stopped by whatever your company's policy is towards harassment. As far as telling your coworkers about Jesus, common sense usually lets you know the time and place. I would guess it would be on a break or at lunch.

They do not seem to have a policy as virtually everyone in this environment does this even the manager. Well maybe the company at large may have one, but our division does not follow it.

So what do I do if the manager or someone in charge cusses at me? Should I just remain silent and should I stand up? If it were on the street I would, but since I am so desperate to pay back my Credit Card debts I would probably remain silent. However paying back debts is a dream and not a reality so I may need to give that one up.

 

[evangelist6589]

Also..

God is in charge and will take care of my oppressors. God will take care of the Rev Mithcell's, The Old Timers, and those others that abuse me. God will get them in the end. But in the meantime I am a testimony and a light to those in the darkness, or those saved that act like those living in the darkness.

 

[Judith]

Its very difficult at times. I work in a environment where most cuss, talk bad, and smoke/drink. I do not do this, however I have not condemned anyone for doing so. My attitude is to work hard and for the Lord. I notice that many sit around and chit/chat and are quite lazy. However as the rules of positive/negative reinforcement go I do not believe I am a fit for the environment. However I represent Christ and strive to be like Him. However what this means is that my errors will be spotlighted while others will be minimized or ignored. I also will be falsely accused. I work 50 hours a week but most are working 60-100 hours a week. The boss works at least 15 hours a day 6-7 days a week. I strive to save time for family and ministry, however perhaps this may mean that negative things will happen to me, but all is in Gods control. When its the right timing I will go elsewhere, or perhaps I will stay here. I mean I try to be polite and humble, however if one does not like me it will not matter. Advice?

Just standard stuff if you are living for the Lord. REJOYCE!

 

[TadQueasy]

I would rather work with unbelievers than with Christians. I've done both and, sad to say, I have found that unbelievers are prone to treat those that they work with more honesty than most Christians do.

Amen to that. I completely agree. So many of the "christians" I have worked with have been so fake and extremely lazy. I enjoy working along side of unbelievers. I do not expect them to live with the same morals as I. I expect them to cuss and to act like unbelievers. I want them to be real and to not pretend to be someone they aren't because of me. I am not interested in seeing them clean their morals up and act more "christian". I want to build a relationship with them and allow them to see Christ in both my actions and my words. If/when they come to know Christ, then He will take care of the rest.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

​

I would rather work with unbelievers than with Christians. I've done both and, sad to say, I have found that unbelievers are prone to treat those that they work with more honesty than most Christians do.

While this may be painting with a bit of a broad brush, it is generally a truth. I teach literacy one day a week. Everyone there is lost, as far as I know, but they are people who work hard and love the kids we teach. I am treated with respect and friendliness.

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

Could be conditional....

While this may be painting with a bit of a broad brush, it is generally a truth. I teach literacy one day a week. Everyone there is lost, as far as I know, but they are people who work hard and love the kids we teach. I am treated with respect and friendliness.

Roger...good to see something by you...haven't seen you post much lately.

Now...to what you and Mex are saying...sometimes it probably is easier to work with the unsaved.....BUT....I highly suspect that if we, as saved folks were to get more "aggressive" or out-spoken with our witness then their attitude toward us might not be as tolerant or friendly with the current state of things in the culture today. We should ALWAYS be kind regardless but it is likely that if we are living a consistent testimony (both in our actions and our speech)...AND, if we openly declare the truths of the Word of God about their sin and their need of our Saviour, then it is likely that our lives (if we are consistent and faithful) will be a rebuke (either spoken or silent) to theirs.....not all the time, but many times...yes?/no? I do not in any way or by any means suggest or endorse that we should EVER be deliberately offensive, belligerent, or unkind to anyone. I believe we should be "turn the other cheek" believers being willing to suffer and be longsuffering in our love and patience for those who oppose themselves in unbelief. That's just MHO.

Bro.Greg raying:

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Roger...good to see something by you...haven't seen you post much lately.

Now...to what you and Mex are saying...sometimes it probably is easier to work with the unsaved.....BUT....I highly suspect that if we, as saved folks were to get more "aggressive" or out-spoken with our witness then their attitude toward us might not be as tolerant or friendly with the current state of things in the culture today. We should ALWAYS be kind regardless but it is likely that if we are living a consistent testimony (both in our actions and our speech)...AND, if we openly declare the truths of the Word of God about their sin and their need of our Saviour, then it is likely that our lives (if we are consistent and faithful) will be a rebuke (either spoken or silent) to theirs.....not all the time, but many times...yes?/no? I do not in any way or by any means suggest or endorse that we should EVER be deliberately offensive, belligerent, or unkind to anyone. I believe we should be "turn the other cheek" believers being willing to suffer and be longsuffering in our love and patience for those who oppose themselves in unbelief. That's just MHO.

Bro.Greg raying:

I don't know. I am very clear about my testimony and my witness. I don't witness 'on the clock' because my employer owns my time for those hours, but in off the clock discussions I am very, very clear in my testimony.

I had step away for a few months. Just dipping my toes in the water again.

 

[Mexdeaf]

I do not in any way or by any means suggest or endorse that we should EVER be deliberately offensive, belligerent, or unkind to anyone. I believe we should be "turn the other cheek" believers being willing to suffer and be longsuffering in our love and patience for those who oppose themselves in unbelief. That's just MHO.

Bro.Greg raying:

Couldn't agree more. But what we term "persecution" here in the USA would be laughed off by believers in Muslim countries. Having someone cuss at me because I am a witness for Christ is a very light "persecution", indeed.

 

[Aaron]

I would rather work with unbelievers than with Christians. I've done both and, sad to say, I have found that unbelievers are prone to treat those that they work with more honesty than most Christians do.

Christians are no worse than any one else. More is simply expected.

 

[Mexdeaf]

Christians are no worse than any one else. More is simply expected.

Should it not be?