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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Let’s face it, unless we are working in a faith-based organization, our work can bring us closer to walking in the way of the world than we would like. Not everyone we come into contact with whether a boss, colleague, customer, or vendor will be an example of how we should walk in our work life as Christ followers. And, even if we are working for a faith-based organization or are in ministry, we are not immune to running into sin!
We often think of integrity at work as being honest. While this is one way we can reflect integrity, as Christians we are called to a higher standard of the integrity of our faith. If you profess your faith at work, this is especially important- does your walk match the talk or could someone who doesn’t know Jesus question the integrity of your faith?
Temptations that take you farther from the integrity of your faith can come around the corner when we least expect them. Perhaps it is falling into using language that isn’t honoring God. Being around people who use a lot of, well, “choice words” can lead us into using the same. Perhaps it is other behavior like attending happy hour after work instead of heading home.
However, sometimes we are not the problem. In the case of Joseph, he held his integrity while his employer did not. He consistently had to withstand advances from his employer’s wife. After denying her many times and even running away from her, she lied and said Joseph came after her! Joseph’s integrity and her lack thereof, landed him in jail!
In many cases, unwelcomed advances at work are considered harassment and should be reported to a manager or to another authority at work. While you should be afforded protections from this type of unwanted advance at work, sometimes maintaining your integrity can feel very costly. I don’t think any of you would end up in jail, but I won’t make light of what may happen if you hold your integrity and deny someone’s advances at work!
Relational integrity at work can take many forms other than the unwanted advances—or harassment—we see in the story of Joseph. Work can also be a place where the door of infidelity creeps open all too often. According to Forbes, 40% of people have cheated on a partner with a colleague. Proximity, time, late nights in the office and work trips all contribute to this. And the higher someone climbs the ladder, the more likely they are to engage in infidelity.
Stay faithful in your walk with God and guard yourself against temptation.