Latest / Prayer Before Work / When They Don't Like What You Believe - Prayer Before Work
Transcript
- Sean Graver: Someone at your job knows you're a Christian and they're not a fan. Maybe they roll their eyes when faith comes up. Maybe they've made a comment or two about people like you. Or maybe they're just kind of dismissive. I mean, not hostile exactly, but clearly not interested. Either way, you feel it. Good morning. I'm Sean, and this is Prayer Before Work. The apostle. Peter writes in 1 Peter three fifteen that in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. So Peter wrote this to a scattered group of people living inside a culture. ⁓ there was actively suspicious of them. He knew what it felt like to be the odd one out, and this was his answer. But here's what Peter doesn't say. He doesn't say fight back. He doesn't say to make your case at every opportunity. And he doesn't say to avoid people who don't share your faith. He says be ready. Be ready when someone actually asks. And when that moment comes, do it with gentleness and respect. Because that changes your entire posture at work. Because remember, you're not there to win arguments or prove anything to anyone. You're there to do your job well and to treat people well and be honest about what grounds you when that moment calls for it. And here's the part I think that might be hard to swallow. Sometimes the best response to someone who doesn't like your faith. Is to just keep being the kind of person they actually enjoy working with. Over time, who you are builds more bridges than anything you can say. You don't have to defend God at every turn. I mean, he can handle himself, but you do get to show up with integrity and genuine care, even for the people who are the most critical, and trust that something is working even when you can't. see it. Let's pray. Father, give me the right posture today. Not defensive, but but also not timid. Just steady. Help me honor you in how I work and how I treat people and how I respond when someone pushes back. And when the time comes when someone actually asks me about the hope I have, give me the right words and give me the gentleness to say them in a way They can actually hear without triggering an argument. Use me today exactly where I am. In Jesus' name. Amen. Let's go make today count.