Hey lovely Bound by Love readers! I'm thrilled to be guest posting for Lauren today - thanks for letting me take over your space, friend!
This is such a huge topic in my life! Just to give you a little background...I am a CPA. I work in the tax department at a commercial real estate company with six other women. Yep, seven accounting women all in one area! Sounds like drama, right? This might surprise you, but it's really not. We do talk about life and such, but we don't hang out outside of work and we don't take things personally.
Work As Ministry
If you are a Christian and have been one since you were young, you might have experienced what I have. I grew up in a Christian family, attended church camp, was a leader in the youth group and then attended a Christian university. Shoot...even if you didn't grow up like me, it's likely that you have heard this as well. I feel like it was engrained in my head that to achieve the ultimate status as a Christian was to "work in ministry". Many Christians receive this as a calling and I think that is awesome!
What do we define as "ministry"?
Usually ministry is a position in the church such as a pastor, children's pastor, youth pastor/worker, domestic or international missionary, Christian counselor, or working for any type of faith-based organization. While I believe that ALL of these positions are WONDERFUL and so glorifying to the Lord, I think our view of what is "ministry" is far too restricting.
Aren't we ALL called to ministry? Whether you're a teacher, a construction worker, a social worker, a lawyer, an accountant, work in retail, work in hospitality, a mother, a father, a student, an administrative assistant, a blogger, a writer, a recruiter or a food server, YOU are in ministry. Aren't all places a work (with the exception of jobs outright involving sin like prostitution) a place of ministry?
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." ~Colossians 3:23
We are called to work as if working for the Lord. Working your hardest at whatever you do brings glory to the Lord. THIS is a ministry! If you prepare tax returns (haha...me!), prepare them with the best accuracy and diligence that you can. If you teach children, teach them important information and discipline them with love. This applies to all areas of work.
How can you work as if working for the Lord in your career?
Relationships
Be a light for the Lord in your workplace. Your coworkers are observing you and if they know that you are a Christian, they are developing an opinion of God by your actions.
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven."
~Matthew 5:16
We are a reflection of Christ. I know this is tough because you are human and you are sinful. You won't be perfect but you can strive to live a Christ-like life through your words and actions at work. Be open about God's forgiveness but strive to be a good example. Someone may come to know Christ through you but could also be hindered by your behavior. I daily have to remind myself of this. I am often tempted to gossip and complain at work. Then I remember that it isn't Christ-like and I want my coworkers to see God's love through me.
I know this can be awkward - I know! I try to develop relationships with my coworkers. I want them to know that I care about them not just as coworkers, but as friends. We often talk about personal stuff without getting too nosey. This can be a tough road to walk but such a rewarding one! I pray often for my coworkers and am there for them to talk to if they need it.
This has honestly been what has kept me in my profession. Sometimes I hate the actual work (and have to remind myself of Colossians 3:23) but knowing that so many professionals would never come in contact with a believer otherwise, motivates me to stay there and love them. It is definitely a mission field!
How can you better show the love of Christ to your coworkers?
