Recently, I received this message from a young person who was pretty fed up with some things going on at work. Read below and share your thoughts.
“I started working a few months back after I graduated from university. But my colleagues taunt me that I’m a Christian, a church goer, a virgin and a pure person EVERY DAY.
They are each placing bets to see when I ‘realize’ the stupidity of it all. They talk bad about Christianity and the Chrisitians….what do I do? Do I turn the other cheek? Because everytime they say something like that, I’m filled with rage and I’d rather keep quiet than say something unwise.
I’m being judged in every way and it’s so difficult. I pray in tongues the whole day at work. But sometimes I feel like lashing out at them. Whenever I tell them that what they say about my faith and beliefs are very impolite, they always have something ‘smarter’. How should I handle my colleagues who attack me without purpose 
I’ve never been attacked like this before. In college at school, my friends are cultured and never talk bad about people’s religion/beliefs.”
Signed,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Good to hear from you! Let me see if I can answer your questions for you.
The first thing is that when I first meet people, my main goal is to show interest in them. Eventually they tell me more and more about the pains and joys of their lives. I lead with kindness and openness.
When they get to know that I am a Christian, they base the relationship on the fact that I’ve shown interest in them. Not that I go to church. Not my sexual or non sexual activity. Or even that I’m a Christian.
Some people have been hurt in church. Others see the failures of others who said they were Christians but didn’t act like it.
In many ways, Christianity is perceived by some as judgmental, self righteous and hypocritical. And you know what? I can’t blame them sometimes. I don’t want to be lumped together with every other Christian. I want people to know that I’m not trying to win them. Jesus was a friend to even those who didn’t believe.
When I used to work in secular jobs, I never shared my faith or even talked about God or church. But my co-workers always knew I was different. And every time they got down or needed help, they would come to me. Then and only then would I pray with them or share Christ with them.
I was able to lead many people to God by just being kind without talking about Christianity in the beginning.
Here’s what I would do. First, I wouldn’t be praying in tongues all day at work. I would agree with them and say” You know what? I understand what you’re saying. There are alot of fake Christians out there.” I may not agree with everything they say, but I understand perceptions. You can’t change their minds. God won’t make them change either.
You have the power to be patient, kind, a good listener, and non- churchy. The light of God will shine through you and some will be drawn to it… others won’t.
It’s nobody’s business that you’re a virgin. Say less. Listen more. If it becomes unbearable, report it to your supervisors. Be willing to move on if you have to. But remember, always lead with interest in other people’s concerns first. Once they like you, they may listen to you. Hope this helps.
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very interesting and insightful article, I like the advice given. very wise