The Tribune

By Ian Ferguson

Many people in our country profess Judeo-Christian beliefs and practices. In fact, we have often dubbed ourselves a Christian nation. While many disagree with this statement in principal, citing the differences between religion and Christianity, the truth is that many strive to live according to the teachings and principles outlined in sacred scripture. Often, Christian beliefs and practices appear in the corporate realm, and there is occasionally a sense of uneasiness in addressing it.

We focus our attention today, then, on exploring appropriate and inappropriate expressions of faith in the workplace. Let us begin with the inappropriate category:

• Using the office copying machine to print church bulletins and other religious paraphernalia, then making efforts to justify it.

• Meddling in co-workers’ personal lives by asking them about matters of blatant sin they may or may not be involved in. There is a time and place for all forms of ministry (direct and indirect). The office boardroom may not be the most ideal time to exorcise demons or get militant on wickedness among your team-members.

• Quoting scripture randomly and dogmatically to every point made in a corporate sense. Regular churchgoers know that scripture can sometimes be used deceptively to justify or condone any behaviour or action. The inappropriate and illegal contextual use of scripture in business is prevalent and harmful.

• Tuning into the local radio station all day long, calling in periodically to send shout outs, birthday greetings to your pastor and the like. This becomes distracting to yourself and others, sidetracking you from your normal course of duties.

• When placed in positions of authority, ensuring that everyone from your local church gets hired for the available position, even when you are convinced they are ill-qualified and incapable of the work prescribed.

We could certainly go on with this category for some time, but now we share briefly a few suggestions for appropriate expressions of faith in the workplace:

• Pray. Most believers know prayer to be a powerful weapon in correcting what is wrong and encouraging what is right. In fact, the scriptures admonish prayer in every circumstance. Pray for your leaders and for those in authority over you. Pray for peace and love to prevail. Prayer, even in the workplace, is key.

• Live. Most people will not darken the doors of the church, but your testimony though the life you live will certainly cause them to consider a change in direction. This may open a reason for dialogue.

• Work. The true mark of a believer in Christ is measured in their work performance. The admonition is very clear, whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might. Good work ethics including exceptional punctuality, attendance and high levels of productivity and efficiency. These should be the hallmark of the Christian in the workplace.
  

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.