How Can I Point to Christ When Work Gets Stressful?

It seems like challenges at work tend to bring out the differences between my faith and the faith (or lack thereof) of my colleagues. We recently had a tough situation with a difficult boss, and I could tell my reactions weren’t the norm in our office. I wanted to share my faith but also wanted to be sensitive to everyone’s heightened (and not always rational) emotions. How do I know when to share with my co-workers that my faith is informing my approach? And how can I do that well?

Your question reminds me of a common phrase I’ve used in the past: “The intersection of faith and work.” I’ve intentionally stopped using the phrase because it doesn’t accurately describe how a committed Christian should live.

At an intersection, two paths cross at a singular point before continuing to travel in separate directions. Our Christian faith shouldn’t simply intersect with other aspects of our life. It should be fully integrated into our entire existence.

With that mindset in place, our Christian faith and God’s Word should inform all we do (2 Tim. 3:16). We should think biblically about every idea we encounter. We should pray for Spirit-led wisdom in every decision. We should follow the example and the teachings of Jesus Christ during all interactions with others.

But you’re right to note that our deepest convictions often come to the fore during challenges. How should we then communicate the reasons behind our actions and decisions at work?

1. Identify as a Christian.

Companies spend a lot of money on initiatives that promote diversity and facilitate an atmosphere of belonging. Many leaders proudly tout their organization as a place where “people can fully be their authentic selves.” The notions of authenticity and belonging are considered cornerstones of positive workplace culture.

Our Christian faith shouldn’t simply intersect with other aspects of our life. It should be fully integrated into our entire existence.

I’d like to believe most leaders mean what they say. So why do many Christians actively hide the core of their identity at work? There’s nothing more authentic than our identity in Christ.

We should remember that most people have a sincere desire to truly know the people they work closely with. Have you ever listened with fascination as a coworker described her weekend hobby to you? Do you enjoy laughing at funny stories about your teammates’ children or grandchildren? Work is simply more fun and more engaging when we’re working in community with others. We learn what matters to a person when he shares about his upbringing, his personal challenges, his culture, or his beliefs.

As Christians, our faith is foundational and formative to who we are. Just as we rely on the transparency and authenticity of those we’re getting to know, our coworkers rely on our willingness to be open about our faith.

This doesn’t have to feel contrived. There are so many natural and conversational ways to identify yourself as a Christian within the flow of your everyday interactions with coworkers. Mention church activities while swapping weekend plans with office mates before heading out the door on Friday. If a teammate opens up about her beliefs, use that window to share your own—not to create a divide but to connect and know one another better.

When people know you’re a Christian, it provides them with a lens through which to view you and your decisions. This is both a responsibility and an opportunity.

2. Respond to questions with grace and candor.

If it’s not known that you’re a Christian and you see an opportunity share your beliefs through your decision process, there are several ways to do that well.

If others ask you to explain your decisions, the most effective responses are simple, logical, and matter-of-fact. You can often highlight effects on the business alongside your guiding belief system: “It’s unwise for us to frame the data in such an incomplete and leading way. It’s not fair to our stakeholders. Beyond that, honesty is a principle I take seriously as a Christian. I can’t get behind that report.”

When people know you’re a Christian, it provides them with a lens through which to view you and your decisions. This is both a responsibility and an opportunity.

Or when you and your Christian friend at work fall into venting about others throughout the day, you can bring up your shared faith: “I’m so glad we have one another to talk with throughout the day, but this is beginning to feel like gossip. Can we pause and pray for guidance on how to move forward without tearing others down?”

Or maybe you’ll have an opportunity to pull in a biblical principle that would benefit the team. As Christians, we’re aware of the supreme significance of Scripture. You  never know the seeds of curiosity that could be planted within someone who isn’t familiar with the contents of the Bible. Keep it simple and focus on the practical application: “It’s tough to get that feedback from a client. It makes me think of a favorite proverb from the Bible, which points out that criticism can be as valuable as gold to a listening ear. What can we learn from this critique?”

3. Let your actions demonstrate Christ.

God’s ways are best. The One who created us naturally knows what’s best for us and for our interactions with others. It should come as no surprise that biblical principles like honesty, humility, patience, self-control, and many others are the ingredients that enable workplace teams to thrive internally and build solid client and stakeholder relationships. While non-Christians might not credit the Bible as the source of such wise behaviors, they can almost always recognize the value.

If your coworkers know you’re a Christian, your actions will speak for themselves, and most will assume you’re acting in accordance with your belief system. It’s often as simple as that: wear the label of Christian and then act like a Christian in your workplace. It speaks volumes when the office Christian is the most honest, kind, patient, and thoughtful employee in the bunch.