Prepare to Share
1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” NAS
Greetings Neighbors,
I continue to thank Jesus for you and all that you are doing to show your love for Him and your “neighbors.” I had the joy of attending the Imagine conference last week. Imagine was a Pastors and leaders conference in Akron, Ohio where the hosts and speakers talked about teaching and living a prayer-care-share lifestyle in and through the Church. I was so grateful to hear these three words taught not just as information and inspiration but with application points for the mobilization of every Christ-follower so that we see transformation occur in every city in America.
The past two weeks I have focused on prayer and care in the workplace; this week we turn to sharing the love and message of Jesus with your workplace. I know it can seem to be a risk – if not downright dangerous – to talk about Jesus at work, but I heard Dr. David Jeremiah give a very sensible answer in a recent interview about this very concern. Dr. Jeremiah was asked, “How can I share my faith at work without worrying about getting fired?” His wise answer came straight out of Scripture; 1 Peter 3:15 to be exact; “… Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”
If you have been in prayer for your workplace, and if you have shown care in and for your workplace; then you can bet that people are going to start asking you about your lifestyle of love and hope. Living out the love and message of Jesus does not go unnoticed in a world and workplace that is centered on self and success. Your gentleness, humility, and “calm through the storms” kind of hope will shine like a lighthouse for those sinking in a sea of personalities, projects, profit-focus, and professional as well as personal problems. Your steady emotions and encouraging words, along with your uncompromising integrity and reputation for dependability, will draw people to come and ask you, “How do you do it?” or “What’s your secret?” It is at that moment a door is flung open and you can share that Jesus is your hope and help.
So many people worry that they are not prepared to share the message of Jesus, but Peter makes it clear that we should be prepared; just as prepared as you are for meetings, a project pitch, a presentation, an evaluation, etc. You do not have to memorize a sermon – in fact, please do not preach, but share what Jesus means to you, what He has done in you, how He works through you and what Scripture says about Him based on the needs and direction of your conversation. You do not have to have a seminary degree, but a simple knowledge of what Scripture says about our Savior and salvation. Offer to talk more over lunch, after work hours, or invite them to your home for dinner. If they share a personal or professional struggle, let them know you will pray for them and then check on them in a few days to see if anything has changed or they need to talk. Of course, confidentially is crucial; but if they come to you – they must trust you. Share your personal relationship and a Scripture or two to encourage them, and over time, invite them to church. We were reminded on several occasions at the Imagine conference; “People don’t come to church looking for God, they come looking for answers.” Be prepared to tell people how relevant Jesus is and that He is the answer they are looking for.
I challenge you to share the love and message of Jesus with every person connected to your workplace and to prompt other neighbors to share in their workplace, so that every American has seen and heard the message of Jesus by the end of the year 2020.
Love is a verb…let’s get moving!
Kathy B.
We have several books available on our LOVE2020.com bookstore to help you live and share the message of Jesus at work. For more ideas on prayer-care-share for the Workplace, visit our Workplace action plan under the Strength Conditioning page at www.LOVE2020.com. Check out www.Iwork4Him.com and tune in to their radio show Monday through Friday to learn more about connecting with Christ in your workplace.
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