As part of my job, I go into various production workshops and hold week long "events" that focus on eliminating waste and attempt to make the operation more efficient through a series of exercises and applying certain manufacturing principles. Just as with any aspect of life, the introduction of change can be an uncomfortable experience, especially in the workplace. The shop I was working with this week was no different than any other group I had worked with in the past, but after a couple days of grumbling, complaining, pointed remarks and verbal stabs, it was hard not to get a little frustrated. During one of these moments I must confess that I was to the point where I could have pinched a few heads off, but then I had a brilliant idea. As I passed through one of the supervisor's offices, I said, "Doug, I've got it figured out. We take the whole group, teach them the Gospel, load them all up and take them to the lake and baptize them all! That would solve lot of your problems and this would be one of the best shops around." He agreed.

Think about the amount of time we spend at our jobs. If you work a 40-hour week, 30% of your time is spent on the job; that means you spend a third of your time "performing" in front of those who are not Christians, and believe me they're watching you! I listened to a conversation this week in which one of the grumbling workers was describing one of his co-workers. "This guy wears his Jesus t-shirts and talks about Christian stuff every time he opens his mouth. He's got his Bible out and reads it during breaks. But he's one of the biggest 'whiners' we have; man, he's about useless, one of the worst workers in the shop. Now what does that tell you about Christians!" What does the Bible say about our attitude and conduct at the work place? Read the following passage from Ephesians 6:5-12:

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Even though we aren't masters and slaves, the same principles must be applied to employer-employee relationships. Christians must quietly go about their work, being an example for others to follow (1 Thessalonians 4:11). Do you perform your duties at work without complaining? Do you ever consider how Jesus might react if he were in your situation? Always remember that if your co-workers know that you are a Christian, they will be watching your work habits and how you act when things aren't going well on the job. You're the pacesetter whether you like it or not, and as a Christian you have the added responsibility to, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).