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PROGRAM D-7549
It’s not uncommon for an attraction to develop between a man and woman who find themselves working together. I’m talking about the pitfalls that await us in those situations.
Most of us in the working world have seen relationships develop between two people who work together, or experienced it ourselves. What should you do, as a Christian, when you feel an attraction to a co-worker of the opposite sex, or when you sense that person is attracted to you?
The very first moment you have any inkling of this, ask yourself one critical question: Is either of you married? If the answer is yes, the biblical principle and your course of action are very simple and clear: You cannot allow any intimate words or feelings or looks or innuendoes to be exchanged between you and this co-worker. That is it! Final! If it means changing jobs or asking to be transferred, do it. You don’t need to pray about what to do, just pray for strength to obey what you know you should do. When the Bible gives clear direction, we should never insult God by asking him what he wants us to do.
Many times we women are allured by male attention, particularly if there is no other male in our life at the time. No matter how flattering it may be to you to have that male attention, forget it. Many times illegitimate relationships begin because one of those involved is a good listener. How many times have I heard a woman say, in justifying a wrong relationship, “He didn’t have anyone else he could talk with.
I was the only friend he had.”
Now, if you’re both single, then you might indeed want to consider a relationship as a possibility. Of course, as a Christian you have very high and definite standards to apply. Not only is it important that this person be a Christian, but you should share the same level of commitment to Jesus Christ. And remember, there are more things to consider than just this one criteria.
Keep in mind that having a relationship with a co-worker can cause many problems on your job. For one thing, it can be difficult to concentrate on your work when you are attracted to a co-worker. Secondly, inappropriate behavior and attention to each other can be unprofessional and frowned upon.
I would advise you to take it slowly and keep it quiet. If you see that the relationship has some serious potential, it would be smart to consider how you can separate your working lives so that you are no longer co-workers. You’ll find that much easier than the balancing act of trying to keep your personal and professional lives separate.