I was attending a business workshop the other day and as I was supporting the person doing the workshop, was there prior to people turning up, greeting people, handing out name tags and so on. This gave me opportunity to speak to everyone and get to know people and find out things about them.
Can’t remember the reason why but one of the women mentioned the church she goes to and I immediately told her about my church and the Business Ministry we have therein. She was interested and asked if she could be put on the mailing list and gave me her card. We had continued our conversation as others sat at our table.
Later, about a half hour or so into the presentation, her business partner turned up late and sat beside her in the chair that had been saved for the latecomer and the two proceeded to chatter constantly all the way through the presentation. I did feel this to be rather rude - people came to the workshop to listen to the presenter and not the two women who chatted constantly but it also saddened me. Because I was very aware that others had been listening to the earlier conversation I had with one of the women about our churches and the business ministry. What must they now be thinking of this same lady?
We are constantly reminded by Paul in the New Testament to follow his example, who in turn follows the example of Christ. If we are to be a light to the world then it is important that we show that light constantly and lead by example. Many only know Christ through ourselves and it is through us that they might decide to come to know Christ too. But if what they see turns them off, what then?
In Romans 14:13 we are encouraged to “Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way”. The earlier part of this verse also mentions not to pass judgement on one another and I’m at risk of doing the same and that wasn’t my intention, but rather just to make you, the reader, aware that we are always on show and what we say and what we do are seen and heard by others. It is important that we act as we speak.
There may have been a legitimate reason for these two women to keep conversing throughout the presentation - they were business partners and perhaps much of what was being said needed discussion for future application, however it did mean that the ability of others at their table to hear what was being said was depleted and unfortunately could have coloured their perception of a Christian in Business. KMT
Christian in business, lead by example, Romans 14:13, Ministry in Business
1 response so far ↓
1 Lisa Olinda // Jul 11, 2007 at 10:28 pm
It is amazing how much people watch us and we never know. We for years had a neighbor who never spoke with us. They lived across the street from us for about 8 years. When they decided to move I went over to say goodbye. Her first question to me was “is your husband a preacher?” I explained that he was not a preacher but a teacher in the local public school. She then told me that she had watched us all those years go every Sunday to church with our children and thought that anyone who went that often must be a preacher. It opened a door for me to share with her God’s plan of salvation.
Thank you for reminding me that people watch and are expecting more from me because of my relationship with God!
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