Does My Faith Belong at Work?

By Dan Cooper

Dan is the CEO of Acumen, an exclusive community of CEOs and business owners. Acumen is designed for CEOs and owners who want to grow their companies, sharpen leadership and competitive edge, and have a positive impact on the world. Dan is also on Disciples Made’s Board of Directors, filling the “Disciple-Making in the Marketplace” seat. 

A few weeks ago, I was at a dinner party and sitting next to a former business owner. She asked what I did for a living. After I told her, she pointedly asked, “You don’t preach to people do you?” I asked her what she meant by that. She said that the worst thing someone could do was to sell them something and then force them to listen to you talk about Jesus.

I agreed. Who wants to work with that person? “Hey, glad we’re doing business together, let’s talk Jesus now, K?” She looked at me like I was messing with her and then said, “Then I don’t understand what you do or why people need you.” 

And that was it. The conversation went off in another direction.

I thought about her comments quite a lot in the days that followed. It’s a common thought — that we should keep business and faith separate. Just a few days later, I heard these verses…  

“The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” Luke 3:10–14 (NLT)

Wow. So, even back in Jesus’ day, we see people were wondering about how business and faith should be integrated in their lives. Interesting. What was John’s response to the crowd, the tax collector, and the soldier? He prescribed values for living their lives at work. 

Generosity.

Integrity.

Contentedness. 

That’s it. Pretty simple. Live the values of our faith.

There is more: having a strong reputation for generosity, integrity, and contentedness has a positive, Kingdom-shaping impact.

People who trust in God to provide for them can be generous, can live lives of integrity, and can be content. In a world that is becoming increasingly anxious, selfish, and deceptive, these things stand out as a beacon, inviting curiosity.

Further in the same passage, Luke continues:

“Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming.”  Luke 3:15-16

John was generous, full of integrity, and content. People from different occupations and marketplace-roles came to him for counsel, and he was able to point them to Jesus. People in your workplace are also filled with expectation. They want someone who can help them overcome the fears and concerns in their lives. They will look for it in someone that is generous, full of integrity, and is content.

That person can be you. 

Once asked, point them to Jesus. Share a story of how Jesus’ life and teaching have helped you become generous, full of integrity, and contentedness.

Want to learn more about effectively integrating your faith at work? Download the free BLESS Pocket Guide in the Fully Alive app.