While in the workplace, we are in the world. The challenges we will need to battle include subduing our own fallen flesh and responding wisely to the fallen tendencies of others.

What are the characteristics or challenges of the fallen flesh? Galatians 5:19-21 (NLT), “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.” 

When we do sin at work, we will need to immediately confess our sins and pray for forgiveness through Jesus. Then we should apologize, try to correct the results of the sin, and change our ways.

How do we learn to become more Christlike when confronted with sinful behaviors in others? We ask the Lord for wisdom. James 1:5 (NLT), “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God’s wisdom is characterized in James 3:17: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” 

Finally, when at work, we do our work as “unto the Lord.” Ephesians 6:5-8 (NLT) says “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.”

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1031: “What Happens to My Christianity When I Go to Work?”
Avoiding the pitfalls of workplace talk, thinking and behavior
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Special 5-part series on Galatians 5: “Do I Walk in the Spirit or in the Lusts of My Human Nature?”