5 Simple Ways to Be a Christian in the Workplace

Paul's Advice from Titus 2

Sep 12, 2023

Churches prepare young people for how to be Christians at university. But we’re not so good at preparing them for work.

I found secular work harder than University.

At Uni, I had a Christian Union for support. At work I was thrown into an environment of gossip, politics and swearing that I’d never experienced before. I had no idea how to behave.

Is that you?

Many Christians think the only value of work is evangelistic opportunities. As good as they are, they will be few and far between. How do you be a Christian in day-to-day work?

While modern Christians overlook this, Paul did not. He told a young pastor Titus to disciple people for their workplace.

Here are 5 simple ways to be a Christian in the workplace from Titus 2:9-10.

1. Respect Hierarchy

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything
Titus 2:9

Slavery was the normal employer-employee relationship for Titus’s church. In that relationship, Paul taught obedience.

There are differences between modern hierarchy and Romans, thing such as workers rights are vast improvements.

Yet most workplaces still have a hierarchy of line-managers. Most people gossip about their boss or undermine them in some way.

Here Christians stand out. Apart from extreme cases, Christians should obey their bosses.

(P.S. I’m aware NT slavery is a tough issue. If you want to think more about slavery, Gavin Ortlund does a good job)

2. Please Others

Teach slaves…to try to please them
Titus 2:9

We often focus on what we enjoy in work.

“Do I like this task?”
“Am I feeling challenged?”
“Does it make me feel fulfilled?”

Yet Christians should please others before themselves. Do the job no one else wants. Go the extra mile. We should be servant-hearted even at work.

3. Speak Politely

Teach slaves… not to talk back to them,
Titus 2:9

Verbal politeness is a simple thing. But how easy can it be:

To complaint about a boss
To argue with colleagues
To badmouth customers in the staff room

Our speech is a picture of Christ to the world. We shouldn’t get involved in verbal sparring but speak with politeness.

4. Do Not Steal

Teach slaves…not to steal from them
Titus 2:10

Not stealing may seem obvious, but there are times you may be tempted to be dishonest. For example:

Being deceptive with expenses
Doing home photocopying at the office
Slacking off when you should be working

These easily overlooked things can make a Christian stand out.

5. Be Trustworthy

Teach slaves… to show that they can be fully trusted
Titus 2:10

You should be known as someone who is fully trusted:

Tell the truth
Don’t sugar coat difficult news
Admit your failings

You can’t be perfect at work but you can be trustworthy

But why?

What’s the purpose of this? Paul tells us

…so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.
Titus 2:10

These things make the teaching attractive. The picture here is of a woman getting ready.

A beautiful woman will always be attractive. But on her wedding day adorned with the white dress, the hair and jewels she will look even more beautiful. Whereas if she turned up in a tracksuit with stains down the front, her beauty would be hidden

The “teaching about God our saviour” is like the beautiful woman. It’s attractive on its own. Yet our actions can either enhance that beauty or detract from it.

Notice Paul doesn’t say you have to spend every waking second of the day trying to crowbar a gospel presentation into every sales call. That’s not what you’re there for.

But if you simply work hard in the ways mentioned above, you will adorn the Christian message for your colleagues.