Keeping A Christian Composure At Work

[ShaunJ]

I came to Christ January of this year. People notice a change in me and some even think I'm nothing but a weirdo anymore.
Most times I do a pretty good job at work. I don't cuss anymore or tell dirty jokes but sometimes the workers get my so fired up that its like I completely forget about God.

My personality is a goofy one. I like to joke and cut up constantly. Where I work there are a bunch of younger guys that like to do the same things except on a more x-rated level. Try as I might I always seem to be standing there laughing at their jokes and before I know it a few curse words might even slip out (although I about have that beat).

Another thing I feel convicted about at work is sharing my past experiences. I was a heavy drinker and did a lot of stupid things. Things that the younger guys who still partake in such practices find hilarious. So they are always wanting to here stories. I tell them the stories almost as if I'm proud of my old ways and I'm really not. I smile as I tell them and laugh at the old things I did but in my mind I really just want to tell them how dumb I really think it all ways and how much it hurts me to think I was that way. I do slip in an ocassional 'But thats not good for you' or 'boy that was dumb'.

I pray every day before work that the Holy Spirit will guide me at work and before the nights over its like my brain shuts it off to some extent.

I'm really just searching for advice on how to stop interacting with them when they get x-rated and well, just down right worldly.

One night I tried not talking to anybody but then they just thought I was mad at them all, lol.

Any advice at all would be most appreciated. I'm really trying to change this about myself but its a long hard struggle, and one I seem to fall short of the victory on every night at work.

Thanks and God Bless.

 

[HumbleBee]

ShaunJ

You in a tough spot at work...gotta bloom where ye planted, yet not get all caught up in the weeds around yo...the Bible does say that bad company corrupts good character...tho ya are exhorted to let your shine! So when converso at work gets outta hand, you can either raise its quality level with a new more respectable topic or in some cases, lower the boom lol and turn it into an opportunity to share your faith...tell em about what Jesus has done for you!

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

I read that seasoned with salt means to ensure your conversation furthers discussion about Jesus!

1 Peter 3:13-18 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God...

 

[Rafael]

You are in the world, but not of it, and sometimes it will grieve you. Your spirit will always be at odds with your flesh and the things of this world. It is a neverending battle until the Lord comes or we go to be with Him. It sounds to me that you are doing OK. These people are important to God, and you cannot seperate yourself from them completely, and your prayers before work are a wonderful thing to do. Keep asking the Holy Spirit to help you be a witness to them. Be patient and join in the conversation when it is good but bow out when it gets where you cannot follow. Perhaps someday they will ask of you about your faith. If we slip up, that is only that battle we have with our own old nature in the flesh. We have the blood of the lamb and word of our testimony, that we are fighting the good fight, and God will not condemn you for slips here or there. Keep up the good work of faith that your doing brother.

 

[TheMainException]

Okay...this may seem like the last thing you want to hear from anyone...but...jeese, the truth hurts sometimes, but I've got to say it...sometimes God requires us to do things that are harder to do than we could ever have imagined...it might be best if you found another job...just do a little looking around and see if you can't find another, if not, that's fine, then I think if you are going to hang with those people that are bringing you down, whenever a dirty joke starts up, leave, go somewhere else, don't stand around while they tell it...tell them that you don't like all the sick jokes...they may get angry at you, but you've done nothing wrong. Keep on praying about this, you are doing good so far, keep striving towards truth, light, and God!

 

[littlefishy]

Part of me would say to find another job and part of me would say use it as an opportunity to preach. I am not really a fan of running from it. It is not a social situation, it is your job. I don't know what kind of job you have, but you will probably encounter this wherever you go in a similar field.
Since you are a new christian however, finding a new job might be an ok idea. If you need to seperate yourself for a time that is good. Don't torture yourself. If that is not an option for you, then the fact is it will always be very hard. You are doing the right thing. You are praying and seeking God. Humblebee's verses are AWESOME. Meditate on that word day and night. One of my favorite verses in the Bible that I have never even quoted is this:
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked man flees when no one pursues, But the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Be Patient, you are learning Wisdom.
Littlefishy

 

[bliz]

Take it a day and a step at a time. Probably the easiest thing to deal with is telling the old stories on yourself. When asked you can simply say, "Naw, that's part of the old me I'm trying to leave behind. I don't want to tell those stories anymore." Done with a friendly smile it will get the message accross withougt being holier-than-thou.

But bear in mind what really matters. People do not get into heaven becasue they refrain from laughing at dirty jokes and never curse. Yes, those things will follow a Christian life, but they are not the important issues. If you find a new job, who will be salt and light in that workplace?

 

[gsmithcat]

Hey, ShaunJ!

It's way cool to see you! Sounds like a difficult situation at work. Here are my thoughts:

First, I would make an effort to change your behavior in a way that you feel glorifies the Lord (i.e. no more cursing, crazy stories, or x-rated stuff).

Second (this is the hard part ), when people notice the difference, be completely honest with them. Tell them why you no longer want to do these things. Explain to them some of the hard lessons from your crazy stories. This can be difficult, so I'm going to quote some awesome scripture now!

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

I try to be honest with my coworkers about my church activities and what kinds of stuff I'm not willing to do. It's earned my the title "Church Boy". They no longer invite me to poker night (where they play using pornographic playing cards), but they still do invite me to other social events (such as BBQs) where pornography is not involved. Also, some of my coworkers have opened up to me about their own spiritual lives (such as church etc...). I've even got a coworker who started going to church with me, and another who started a work Bible study with me.

Well, that's my own personal experience. I'm all for hanging out with non-believers, so long as it doesn't compromise your walk with God.

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.