Knowing your position in flying is crucial to reaching your destination in a safe and timely way. Because there are no signs posted or traffic signals at 35,000 feet up, those who fly aircraft know that without accurate instruments and communication with air traffic controllers, you cannot establish your position. This makes navigating virtually impossible, especially under bad weather conditions. When weather conditions worsen, knowing your position is crucial to assess the situation and take decisive correct actions, something you cannot do based solely on your senses.

Using this analogy… Christians are finding it more and more difficult these days in knowing their position… how they should and can fit in to their cultures, including the work culture. In a growing number of cultures Christian beliefs are being viewed more as a threat to progress and the cultural life-style.

As conditions in society deteriorate, the Christian faith is being challenged more by public scrutiny and political policy, which puts Christians in the center of controversy and suspension. Some companies have even made policies that force Christians to comply with matters that violate their conscience. Yet these policies have little or no bearing on personal work performance and employee collaboration, but rather personal preference.

Christians in general are feeling more intimidated at the workplace, which causes them to become more silent about their faith and hesitant to express it in any way. Does this mean that God’s purpose for His people is somehow failing or maybe just doesn’t work or shouldn’t be displayed at the workplace? I don’t think so, because the Christian faith does not need a comfortable work environment or an agreeable political system in order to be influential. God has put His presence in His people in order to do that
(2 Corinthians 4:6-7). When we know our position before the Lord, we understand that we are complete and secure in Christ. Regardless how the conditions around us may change, for better or worse, we can be assured that God and His Word do not change. As we walk with God, we learn how His word applies to life. Growing in His wisdom guides us to make the right adjustments and put us on the right course (James 3:13-18).

Present changes are pressing upon Christians the need to better understand how and when to engage in sharing their beliefs (which the world considers offensive), withut using offensive tactics. If we are not careful, our frustrations about being treated unjustly could be transmitted in our responses toward our coworkers. But also our genuine concern and care for people may at times require us to be cautious in our responses. Our Lord gave us some good instructions about how to engage our faith in a credible yet in a careful manner. Knowing that His disciples would be His witnesses within a hostile Roman culture, Jesus instructed them, “Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Snakes are known for avoiding danger and not exerting their energy or venom before the right occasion. The point here is that we need to be wise and not flaunt our Christian views at times, especially knowing some people won’t understand them, and that it could create problems and controversy. Doves are known for being gentle, not forceful. When we engage with people, we must be noticeably gentle and not pushy. Boldness is not measured by how strongly and enthusiastically I can express what I believe. Rather it is how clear and convincing my faith in God is to those around me. My life should be a bold statement, not just loud words.

Remember, you are not lost in this world, but rather the world is lost in its ways…and your life represents God’s answer.

“I (Christ) have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)