Most people work among at least one or two non-Christians. A few years ago, I worked among several at a secular company that provided IT consulting services. My main responsibility was to develop proposals in response to requests issued by government entities for such services.
It took some time for me to adjust to that company (and honestly, I never did completely). I’d grown up in a Christian family, been homeschooled through 12th grade, and gone to a small Christian college. I’d attended church services and church activities regularly ever since I was born. So being in a secular environment for eight hours a day, five days a week was hard.
I’m grateful God gave me a Christian family and the opportunity to learn in Christian settings. I’m also grateful He provided the Christian ministry position that I have now. Still, I believe He placed me in a secular company for a reason, and frankly, I should’ve represented Him better during my time there. If you work in a similar setting and desire to make a difference, here are two ways to shine the light of Christ:
1. Act Differently
Sometimes, I failed epically at not imitating my non-Christian coworkers’ behaviors. However, I did try to stand firm in my convictions about not drinking and not swearing. I genuinely hope they noticed there was something different about the way I acted.
Your non-Christian coworkers are probably accustomed to being around people who act like them—which is why not acting like them can have such a big impact. I understand that this can be difficult, especially when there’s peer pressure. But when you shine the light of Christ by standing firm in your convictions, your non-Christian coworkers might take notice and even ask questions about it.
2. Speak Boldly
At my previous company, I wasn’t very vocal about my relationship with Jesus—and I should’ve been. I never shared the gospel with my coworkers. I didn’t ask what they believed about Jesus or discuss what I believed about Him. My most vocal moment there wasn’t even vocal technically. I messaged one of my non-Christian coworkers to invite him to church—which I only did because I had a crush on him and wanted him to become a Christian.
Though your actions can point non-Christians to the gospel, your words can help them understand it. They need to know the gospel before they can believe it. Honestly, I disagree with the idea that only actions are needed to share the gospel. After all, during Jesus’ earthly ministry, He used actions and words to point people to the truth. In addition to performing miracles that revealed His divine nature, He preached about faith and repentance. You can shine the light of Christ among your non-Christian coworkers when you speak boldly about your faith.
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14 NKJV).
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