At the gym yesterday I was talking to a lady who was interested in becoming one of my personal training clients. She was rather…. eccentric…. and started giving me an over-detailed story of her life. At one point in her story, she told me she been in a horse-riding accident a few years back which left multiple scars on both of her arms and disabled her from almost all physical activity for quite a period of time.
After telling me how gruesome the accident was, she said, “It’s by the grace of God that I’m standing here!”
I responded, “You and me both.”
She said, “Oh, you were in an accident, too?”
I responded, “Oh, no. But by the grace of God, I am who I am.”
I’m sure she was like ‘whaaaaat?!” in her mind as she smiled and nodded– she may have even been reconsidering hiring me as her trainer now that she saw how religious I was. I actually couldn’t even believe that I said something like that myself. I’ve really battled with overcoming the awkwardness of taking the gospel into my work place, it’s been something that I’ve been intentionally praying about for the past week or so. As if I’m on auto-pilot, many times when I’m with clients or talking to people at the gym–especially people who I haven’t known or trained for very long– I switch over from all the normal things that I think/talk about like God, Christ and the gospel and I just talk about whatever seems to be comfortable topic to that person. People assume I’m like UBER-bold, but I’m not. When I’m in the right mindset, I can be bold, but most of the time (especially at uber work) I don’t have the right mindset—I don’t have a missional mindset. By default, I don’t go into my gym seeing most of the people as lost and needing saving from an eternity of agony and loneliness because of their sins—I just see them as prospective clients who can make my bank account a little happier. The problem here is my self centeredness—I see my job as being all about me and meeting my needs and neglect to see how God has sovereignly placed me where I am right now to bear fruit for His gospel and bring glory to His name through sharing the good news about His Son.
A lot of times I just don’t know how to bring the subject of Jesus up, so I usually don’t. But this week the Lord has helped me to change that. Earlier in the week I knew I was supposed to share the gospel with one of my younger clients–and I prayed for the Lord to open up the conversation and make it easy for me to do it…… He didn’t. So I just started it—awkwardly and full of nervousness—but I started it. I probably didn’t share it as smoothly as I wish I would have or as eloquently as I’ve heard others do it—but that client is coming with me to church tomorrow. And that makes all the awkwardness worth it.
Now the conversation yesterday with the eccentric lady was totally brought about by the Lord, which reminds me that His eye is even on the rinky dink gym that I feel I waste so much of my time at. As I wrote out my information for her to contact me, she saw my Bible laying open to Isaiah and jokingly said, “You can’t call him no ‘minor’ prophet!!” (haha) and then said something about maybe her meeting me was a God-thing and asked me to write down my church’s information for her. I was more than glad too.
I don’t share these things to boast in myself or make it out to be like I’m some super Christian because I started sharing the gospel more. The Lord uses me to share His gospel despite me–yesterday before I met that woman, I was feeling really down and ended up watching pornography. SO many times, I neglect to share about the Lord or feel like I shouldn’t because of my own deep struggles with sin…. but God using me–or you–isn’t dependent on our goodness. It’s dependent on HIS goodness. The Lord still wants to use us as vessels to extend His grace and mercy to the people around us… even as we continually require that same grace and mercy to sustain our good-standing in His sight.
I know that many of you feel like your life and your job is so mundane and void of spiritual meaning or significance… but it’s not. You’re there, at this time in your life, for divine purposes… gospel purposes. You’re there to share the only thing that saves from eternal wrath—the gospel of Jesus Christ. You may rarely, or even not ever, see anyone get saved because of the seeds you plant. But you can be assured that you will reap what you sow (Gal 6:7)… and even in just the sowing, you’re giving God glory that all the hosts of Heaven are gazing at.
Our lives aren’t unnoticed by God. Our jobs aren’t unnoticed by God. Our deeds (whether good or bad) aren’t unnoticed by God. By His grace we are who we are, and we need to live that out everywhere and anywhere we are at…. even work. Not just in actions and deeds, but in words of truth–we’ve got to open our mouths.
Lord, help us to believe this more fully: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”- Romans 1:16
Matt, I know how you feel about the work situation. Now consider my situation, I can’t work because of my back so I don’t get a chance everyday to go out among other people to share Jesus. My chances come from the internet! As much as I write and post comments and update my status on FB or Twitter, most of the time I’m rebuked, hated, ignored and recently my abilities on FB have been limited because someone must have reported me as profane, harassing, abusive and spam comments. I am not ashamed of my Lord and I want Him to be lifted up, for He says in the scriptures that if He is lifted up He will draw all men (people) to Him. I may even be put off of FB but the internet is a big thing and some where I will still post my love, thankfulness and eagerness to tell others. I do not hate this or these person(s) for their actions instead I hope that God will use it as a way to convict them and bring them to repentance. BTW Great Blogs!
Hi Matt, I enjoyed reading this post. This being said bringing religion to work can be risky. I avoid it. [I believe] the way we conduct ourselves at work is a much more powerful witness than the Word coming from our lips. Lets be honest here absolutely no one wants to hear a litany of bible verses as they are putting a roof on a house or preparing briefs for next day’s grand jury hearing. Sometimes silence is the most powerful witness of all. But I get where you are comimg from. Anyways thank you.
“I neglect to share about the Lord or feel like I shouldn’t because of my own deep struggles with sin” EXACTLY! I feel the same way cos then according to the Word, we’ll be hypocrites.
I know what you mean Matt, I ‘ve always had questions regarding jobs and work and how to know what job to do and if it is God’s will to do a certain job. I just finished university and wondering what God’s will is for me. But first I need to be sure I know Him and that I am saved before I start presuming on anything else. Also I want to go into the meidia, and Im aware you need to be a strong Christian as that industry is wordly and self-centred and unGodly. thats where my skills lie in terms of media production. its just the people I will be working with and the influence….thats what I wonder. what does anyone else think?
Hi Lee!
…just a comment about your reply to Matt. From someone who has been a Christian for a very long time, this is a situation (sharing at work) has been one that I’ve also struggled with. Even though Satan is evil, he is still very clever and he uses our weaknesses against us. Finding out what God wants for us is recorded in scripture so, there is no “wondering” that will have to be done. His entire will is complete! Men have a tendency to want to do what seems right to them, to devise new plans, to write creed books. They claim that we need new revelations, doctrines or dogmas. God’s word still says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 10:23 adds, “0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Now we conclude after reading these verses that since our ways are not God’s ways and the way is not in man to direct his own steps, then naturally we need someone to show us the way. Is there hope for man? Can he know the truth? How can he know? Well, thanks be to God we can know the truth because it is revealed to man in God’s word. John 8:32 says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “What is truth?” one asks. “Thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). The Bible is the word of God, the truth, and it is inspired by him. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is give by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” We have all things in the Bible that pertain to “life and godliness” (1 Pet. 1:3). God’s word is complete and we don’t need any new revelations; in fact, Galatians 1:8 reminds, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
The “moral” to this message, Lee, is that we don’t have to wonder about what God wants for us to do or how to live our life, this wisdom is to be had in scripture and all you need is to devote yourself to consuming its message. May God bless you and fill you with His truth!
Hi Gene,
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate it! What you say is all true and I already know this. However, I’m speaking from a specific point in terms of jobs and day to day specifics such as types of jobs. Obviously, we will not take jobs that are sinful and cause us to stumble, but what secular job is not surrounded by ungodliness 9apart of course from jobs in hospitals and care homes etc) you get my drift?
Like for example, I have a degree in film, and I would like to go into the media, but knwoing what the media is like, I don’t want to do something that is sinful. I have enough issues to deal with. Also i notice that when I feel that I would like a job in a certain field, I go for it, then feel like it may not be God’s will to do that specific job. For example, I work in a moviehouse and sell ticekts for films, films obviously that are made by Hollywood and thus are sinful and npt Christ-centred. But I’m a customer assistant, so is that Godly to work there, for example, is what I am asking.
I know God’s will is in His word, but most times, those are principles that govern what we do. Im asking for specifics. How do you go for a job. Do you pray about it first then just take it? How do you know if God wants you to do that job? give me an example in your life?
I hope I don’t come across as too pushy lol….
thanks Lee
Hi, again, Lee!
Thanks for the thoughts and I certainly have a huge respect for a person who is so sensative toward things like this, as you seem to be. I’ve found (from a personal viewpoint) that it’s going to be impossible to find much of any types of employment which isn’t connected with sin in at some level. This makes sense because we’re told that the world, itself, is evil. Obviously a Christian has to be very careful as to the profession that is chosen and when selecting that profession, keep in mind the importance of being a light to those around who may be living in darkness. One thing to note is work ethics. Too many Christians possess a dishonest work ethic rather than an honest one. Sometimes we (Christians) can often be the ones who cause envy and strife in the work place. By the things we say, we hurt others, all in the name of “business”. 1 Peter 2:1 says, “Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies, and envies and all evil speakings.” As Paul has said in Romans 13:11-14, its high time we awake out of sleep, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ. There may be someone looking at you! (One who looks at a person who claims to be a Christian may develop the opinion that if this is what a Christian is, he wants no part of it.) Through a sinful work ethic, we are guilty of turning them away from the Lord! Some of us seem to cast God’s will aside when it comes to work and have decided that we can do what ever we choose regardless of whom it may hurt. Some would do anything, in order to advance in their work, including: social drinking, lying, cheating, all sorts of wickedness. Paul says, we ought to practice a work ethic that adorns the doctrine of Christ (Tit. 2:9,10). So, this can be a wonderful opportunity to serve God or another way we let satan have his way with us. On another thought, Colossians 3:22 states: “Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ” No matter what you choose to do, Lee, make sure that you can give it you honest and sincere performance and ,also, that it won’t restrict you from honoring God at the same time. This is a careful balance that can be achieved. Don’t forget the power of prayer while you are searching for this position. May God bless you as you seek to find the right situation for you!
Gene
I can’t seem to respond to your latest response lol…
yes I agree with you. That’s what I was thinking regarding being an example to those around us. I feel like sometimes Im going nowhere cos people obviously don’t believe when you share with them at the workplace. And of course, it is so easy to gel with the work culture of slackness and dishonesty, I have been guilty of it. but then I go into overdrive and think i have to be perfect and if I make a mistake, I lose my ‘performance’ track run of being godly!
I just wanted another opinion but thanks for that Gene. much appreciated
Lee, always feel free to contact me anytime at genejenkins@gmail.com I’d be VERY happy to work this through with you!!
sincererly
Geme
Always, my pleasure, Lee! I don’t want you to think that I consider myself anything more than any other Christian who struggles with daily life. However, we are instructed to bear one another’s burdens and this is definitely one of life’s burdens… as we all have to work. Experiences of life can certainly be shared and I’m more than happy to pass along any help that I can provide to you. I’d also encourage anyone else who happens to be reading this post to add their experiences in, as well!
Gene,
thanks for ur reply! I will contact you as it would be very helpful!
thanks Lee
absolutely, Lee! Looking forward to it!
Gene
“Gene Jenkins
Always, my pleasure, Lee! I don’t want you to think that I consider myself anything more than any other Christian who struggles with daily life.”
Oh not at all lool! I hope I don’t come across as needy looool….? we all struggle though sometimes we may feel to give up and let sin have its way with us.
Im emailing you now. sorry for taking long to respond
I think when sharing the gospel we don’t need to spew bible verses and as much as I agree that sometimes action speaks louder than words but we can’t deny the fact that the early disciples made more disciples by loud preaching, not safe silence. They were bold. I am struggling with this myself but by the grace of God, I am overcoming this!
Lee, there is no need to make sure of your salvation. Just make sure you bear fruit for the kingdom and trust your salvation in the works of Jesus Christ. Half of the time we are too busy thinking about our own salvation that we forget other’s. We are saved by faith, that’s it! I think if we wait ’til we are sure of our salvation, we will never star bearing fruit. Doubt is definitely Satan’s tool and faith is our shield. In the past’ I have doubted about my salvation and that made me not want to do His work and that exactly what Satan wants!
Sihol
“Lee, there is no need to make sure of your salvation. ”
ACTUALLY, THERE IS. if Im going to tell the world I stand for Christ, I will make sure I am His by first ensuring that He knows me. Yes I must bear fruit, but even if you do, you must examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith. It will save a whole lot of trouble to people who are non believers and to those who think your Christian. Also I do NOT want to deceive people and not even know what I am doing. that is pure blindness. I have doubt of my salvation because of the life im living. I can’t turn a blind eye to that or else!
Hi Matt – As you know, I am a personal trainer too and battle with this as well. I live in South Florida and the majority of my clients are Jews (non-practicing) so bringing up the topic of Christ is difficult.
I always bait my clients into talking about religion and wait for a response from them first. Then I know it’s Spirit led and not me led. Being a personal trainer is one of the best jobs for talking to people on a personal level and sharing the Gospel. I used to be a police officer and the department I worked for attacked me for sharing my faith on the job so I am happy to be in a profession now that allows me the freedom to talk about the Lord.
For our profession, the best thing to do is to establish a relationship first then ease into a conversation later about Christ as the Spirit leads. This has worked wonders for me and while many do not respond to the Gospel, it’s the few that do that make all the difference in the world. I also like to let my actions and lifestyle do the talking when I’m with clients to show them that there is a true difference between Christ followers and non.
Don’t forget to get a top of the line certification too like NSCA or ACSM to raise your hourly rate. The Fitness Institute International out of South Florida is one of the best in the country plus the founder is a Christian. Good luck and talk to you soon.
Matt,
Great to see the Lord is not only using you here but in the workplace too!
I love this. It’s funny that we wait for a mission field and yet we all have one already.
I too fail to be missionally minded in the day to day mundane, but drowning souls are all around us.
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