2 Common Workplace Sins to Avoid

1. Getting drunk

2. Doing drugs

The end. (Just kidding.)

As you probably know, getting drunk and doing drugs at work is unwise because you’ll get in trouble. They’re definite no-no’s, along with a host of other obvious no-nos, like stealing from your company and vandalizing your office. But there are two subtler no-nos that are rampant in the workplace today that may not get you fired but are still sinful in God’s eyes and have negative consequences:

1. Gossip

This has been a problem in multiple environments I’ve worked in. It’s so sad that gossip has become the norm. Whether it’s badmouthing the manager, complaining about a customer, or spreading rumors about a coworker, gossip is very common at work.

I’d love to tell you that I’ve never participated in gossip at work, but that wouldn’t be true. I’ve often listened (and even added) to whatever gossip-filled conversations have happening around me. Sometimes, I’ve even started the gossip. And that was so wrong of me. Because even though people don’t treat it seriously, slander has serious implications.

A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends. (Proverbs 16:28 NASB)

I don’t want to be known as “perverse” or as “a slanderer.” That’s not who we should be. We should be known by our kind words to others and about others. If you give into gossip once, it’ll be easier to form a habit of gossip.

2.  Deception

As in clocking in more hours than you actually worked. As in hiding your computer screen from your boss because you’re looking at porn. As in exaggerating the amount of work that you do so that you’ll get a promotion. As in scrolling through social media while you’re clocked in to do assigned tasks.

Like gossip, deception is also normal in the workplace, which is an unfortunate reality. We live and work among coworkers and managers who lie about everything and anything. Again, I’d love to tell you that I’ve never been deceptive at work—but that wouldn’t be true. Honestly, I don’t treat it seriously. But I need to because it’s a sin and there are consequences of lying.

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. (Proverbs 20:17 NKJV)

I understand how tempting it is to use your work computer to engage in sin, to sneak in a break while you’re on the clock, or to exaggerate your performance to your boss. However, I know that honesty and openness are worth it. A hidden pleasureful addiction, a bigger paycheck, and a better promotion aren’t.  

Closing Thoughts

Obviously, there will always be gossipers and liars in the workplace. Even if we all worked in a Christian company, gossip and deception would still exist. But that doesn’t give us an excuse to commit those sins. If our bosses, coworkers, and customers are accustomed to gossip and deception, hopefully they’ll notice that you avoid gossip and deception because you’re a follower of Christ.