How many of these roles describe you? A ‘mom,’ ‘sister,’ ‘daughter,’ ‘wife,’ ‘housekeeper,’ ‘chef,’ ‘chauffeur,’ ‘board member,’ ‘non-profit organizer,’ ‘Sunday School teacher,’ volunteer, ‘network marketer’, . . .
Whew! That list is making me lose my breath! And, are you truly yourself when you show up to each of these roles? Are you being authentically YOU?
I want to share Dana’s story. A Christian in the Marketplace and a friend, frustrated with her Christian walk, tired of trying so hard. I hope you find inspiration in her story.
Anxiety moment
My friend Dana asked me to coffee one day. After we got our green tea lattes and sat for a few minutes catching up, she turned, leaned in, and, with a serious expression, asked me,
“How do I show Christ in my daily business and work life?”
She went on to explain how she felt disconnected from God throughout her work week and that she never felt she was truly showing up as herself because of it.
I see it all the time. Many women feel like they are fragmented and show up in situations as if they are playing a role.
“Life is not a stage. We are to be who God has created us to be, whether at networking, the PTA meeting, talking to clients, or in our home,” I told her.
The tears welled up in her eyes as she said she felt phony and didn’t know how to pull all these things together to feel whole. She began to give me a list of things she thought she SHOULD DO to show others her faith while running her business. She thought that may be the answer.
I stopped her.
If you think, “If only when I do this or that, I will be a good example for Jesus at work,” STOP.
Christian in the marketplace reality check moment
As I shared with Dana, it is NOT about doing a certain ‘thing’ (or many things, for that matter). It is about showing the real YOU in all situations. Integrating all your roles into the unique individual God has created you to be.
Being a Christian in the marketplace is NOT
Starting with the ‘It is NOT’ list will help your mindset the same way it helped Dana’s. Being a Christian in the marketplace is. . .
Not about outward symbols:
Being a Christian is not limited to outward displays of faith, such as wearing a cross or placing Bible verses in your office. While these symbols may hold personal significance, true Christian living involves a deeper, internal commitment that goes beyond mere appearances.
Not about public displays of prayer:
Simply praying before meals or at other visible times does not define Christian behavior in your daily business life or otherwise. Genuine Christian living involves a personal relationship with God, and your prayer life extends beyond public posturing. It’s about a sincere connection with the divine rather than seeking approval or recognition from others.
Not about recruitment or promoting church activities:
While inviting someone to church or discussing church activities can be positive, being a Christian in the marketplace is not solely about recruitment or promoting one’s religious affiliation. It’s more about embodying Christian principles through your actions, integrity, and compassion rather than using these activities as a means to validate your faith.
Not about exclusivity in relationships:
Limiting professional or business connections to only fellow Christians goes against the inclusive and loving nature of Christianity. Being a Christian in the marketplace means engaging with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, fostering understanding, and demonstrating Christ-like behavior to everyone, not just those with the same faith.
Being a Christian in the marketplace is Not about trying to ‘fit in’:
It involves navigating the balance between integrating your faith authentically into professional life and respecting the diverse beliefs of others. Concealing one’s identity as a “secret Christian” may not only compromise personal integrity but also hinder the positive impact you can have in fostering understanding and acceptance.
Dana looked at me, confused when I spoke off this list. You may be confused, too.
Let me know in the comments if these are some of the things you have done or seen others do in public to ‘show they are Christians’.
Getting it moment
“What do I do then?” she huffed.
The answer is simple: LOVE.
“What does that look like?” she asked.
I smiled, “It looks like this…
Being a Christian in the marketplace IS
Carrying your Cross into work each day by looking for ways to show love to others.
- This involves embodying the selfless love and compassion taught by Jesus. It means actively seeking opportunities to support, encourage, and serve others in and through your business.
- It includes showing kindness, empathy, and patience, even in challenging situations. Practicing love in all areas of your life can positively impact your business environment and foster a culture of care and understanding.
Praying without ceasing to have the right attitude toward your clients, team members, and business partners.
- This concept extends beyond formal prayer sessions and involves maintaining a continual connection with God throughout the workday. It means seeking guidance, wisdom, and patience through prayer in order to navigate work challenges with a Christ-like attitude.
- This approach helps you to cultivate qualities such as humility, forgiveness, and a servant’s heart, contributing to a positive and harmonious work environment.
Inviting those who don’t know Jesus into a deeper relationship with you.
- This goes beyond merely inviting others to church and involves building authentic relationships. Christians in the marketplace should strive to connect with others personally, demonstrating Christ’s love through their actions and attitudes.
- It includes being a listening ear, providing support in times of need, and exemplifying your Christian values in a way that sparks curiosity and interest in the Christian faith.
Seeking opportunities to show God’s goodness to others by being truthful and fair.
- This concept emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in business dealings. Christians in the marketplace should be known for their commitment to truthfulness, fairness, and ethical conduct.
- By consistently demonstrating these values, you uphold your Christian principles and contribute to building a trustworthy and reputable business.
Trying to set yourself apart so that you attract others who need to experience hope.
- This involves living a life of faith that stands out in the marketplace. Christians should strive to be a source of hope and inspiration through their actions, attitudes, and perseverance, even in challenging circumstances.
- By setting yourself apart in a positive and uplifting manner, you can become a beacon of hope, attracting others who may be searching for meaning, purpose, or a source of encouragement in their personal and professional lives.”
I continued, “Don’t allow the world to tell you that you must keep Jesus out of certain parts of your life. Integrity, honesty, goodness, fairness, and love all come from God. You need it in business and to let others know where it originates in you.”
A small light went on in Dana’s eyes.
“It’s not as hard as I thought!” she exclaimed.
Her shoulders relaxed, and she sat back in the chair.
“Why was I making all these ‘should dos’ for myself?”
Your moment of being a Christian in the marketplace
We get it into our heads that God has a prescribed list for us to follow. But what He really wants is a relationship.
As I told Dana that day at the coffee shop, God wants you to connect with Him first, and then everything else will follow. God will help you choose the best business practices, give you the stamina to complete the tasks He has for you, and bring opportunities into your marketplace to tell others about Him.
Knowing YOU better is key to doing it well. Understanding how He created you uniquely unlocks the HOW to live an integrated and seamless life. The Calling Clarity Course & Community can give you the tools to see HOW God wants you to show up as the same person in your business, the Sunday School class, and in the car with your kids.
Find out more about what Calling Clarity can do for you by clicking HERE. I would LOVE to chat with you about how God wants you to show up in your business.
He wants you to be whole, holy, and authentic. He wants YOU to be you. Let’s work on figuring all this out, together.
Let me know in the comments your takeaways for today. What ‘shoulds’ are you following that are giving you anxiety and grief?
Be filled to overflowing,
DeneenTB
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