This issue of OUTLOOK focuses on sharing Christ in the workplace. There are two things most of us have in common: We work and live in communities. Much has been written about friendship evangelism—focusing on our neighbors and community, but not much has been written about the other place we spend so much time: work.
How do you share Christ at work? It can be a scary endeavor. You might wonder if it is even ethical … or if your efforts go sour or are unwanted, will you still be able to have a productive working relationship with your coworkers?
These are good questions. The answers lie, however, in how Christ sought to connect with people. Let me illustrate this in a personal way. I might get in trouble with my family, but I want to talk about my in-laws.
All about love …
I am blessed with the best in-laws anyone could ask for. Kenneth and Ruth Wynn both have been examples of how to live a Christlike life as long as I have known them.
First, I must say, they raised a beautiful, loving daughter who has made my life a blessed one. (Thanks, Diane!) Second, they were the best example of how to share Christ in the marketplace I have ever witnessed firsthand.
My father-in-law is a retired dentist. He graduated in Loma Linda’s first dental class a little more than 60 years ago. My mother-in-law was the office manager, and they practiced dentistry in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for decades.
It was amazing to walk into their office. The first thing I noticed was the Christian music playing in the waiting room and operatories. All the magazines and books were also wholesome and mostly from Adventist publishers. Children loved coming to their office because they could read the My Bible Friends or The Bible Story series. Teens enjoyed Insight or Listen magazines. Adults enjoyed Signs of the Times or other books and magazines laid out for their reading pleasure. Of course, if there was an evangelistic meeting, cooking school, stop smoking seminar, or other church-planned outreach event, you could find the advertisements on the registration counter as well.
Most important, however, was that their busy practice was built on excellent dentistry and being treated with love from hearts who knew Jesus. Diane’s parents didn’t have to say anything. People would ask, “Where can I find a copy of the music you are playing?” or “May I take this magazine home with me?”
The Wynns also visited their sick patients, took care packages, and prayed for their patients when God provided an opportunity. The sweet, caring environment created by my in-laws drew people in, and people wanted to know more about the God they love.
I don’t know exactly how many people joined the church as a result of being a patient, but I do know some personally. There was one family, in particular, who I became acquainted with. They became leaders in the church. Of their three children, one is an Adventist pastor, another works in communication for the church at one of our colleges, and another married an Adventist pastor. They all have served the Lord faithfully and drawn people to Jesus.
So how did my in-laws share Christ in the workplace? They looked for an opportunity to enter someone’s journey and bless them with acts of love and kindness (and excellent dental care!). Does this sound familiar? The quote from the book Ministry of Healing that we all know and love applies most appropriately in the workplace. In case you haven’t read this quote lately it says, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (p. 143).
By following Christ’s example in the workplace, you never have to worry if what you are doing is ethical or if it will jeopardize a relationship. Once you have entered people’s lives with acts of love and kindness, once you have won their confidence, there is no telling where your journey will take you in sharing Christ at work.
