Working For A Non-Believer?

If you have been reading this blog for long, you realize that the majority of what I write is directed at those people that are followers of Christ AND in a position of leadership in business. Unfortunately, some disciples of Jesus are working for a non-believer or are otherwise in a position where they feel they are limited in their ability to exercise their faith. What are you to do if in this position?

Not One Size Fits All

First, I want to make sure to tell you that the following ideas will not necessarily apply to every situation like this. In some cases, you may need to get out of your situation. In other cases, God may have you exactly where He wants you. It is these latter situations that I want to address today.

You need to be in prayer about your particular circumstances and allow God to direct your actions. At the same time, I think there is a lot we can learn from God’s word and then apply to situations like this.

David As Example

One story that I believe is full of lessons for a Christian in a difficult employment situation is the story of David. For a Christian that is under the authority of a non-believer, someone who does not share (or is even opposed to) their beliefs, the relationship between David and Saul can serve as an example on how to think and behave.

If you want to get the full effect of the story, you can read 1 Samuel (all 31 chapters) in its entirety. However, for the sake of time, we are only going to focus on 1 Samuel 24:1-7.

In this passage, Saul has hunted David in order to kill him. David has an opportunity to kill Saul instead, but chooses not to do so. He then goes on to tell Saul how he passed on the chance, honoring Saul’s God-given authority instead.

Do Not Apply Literally!

Clearly, I am not saying that you will be in a work situation where your non-believer employer is trying to kill you! Do not try to take this story and literally apply the details to your situation. Simply look at this story from 10,000 feet.

David has been anointed king by Samuel, but is “in waiting” until God removes Saul from the throne and places David on it. In fact, David was anointed at what was likely in the middle of his teenage years. He would not actually be crowned as king until he was 30 years old.

While David knew he was to be king after Saul, he did not take action on that knowledge. Instead, he bided his time and trusted God for the right timing. He continued to honor the authority that God had given Saul. He passed on two opportunities to kill Saul and take the throne by force. He simply allowed God to work His will.

Non-Believer Work Environment

His situation is in many ways similar to yours if you work in an environment that limits or prohibits the open exercise of your faith. You may feel you are in a position where you are wasting time because you cannot openly share your faith with your co-workers.

I am sure David felt something similar as he waited for God to be removed from the throne. However, even though David knew the time was not yet right for that to happen, he did not sit around and do nothing. Instead, he got busy building relationships. He organized and trained a band of misfits that eventually became his most trusted soldiers – his Mighty Men.

Build Bridges?

Can you do something similar? Though you are not able to share your faith with your co-workers in a way that violates your workplace rules, there is nothing that says you cannot be building relationships. These relationships can eventually be the bridges God uses for you to share your faith.

Maybe you feel God wants you to be in charge at some point, but nothing seems to be happening in that direction. Would it make sense to begin building a case against your supervisor to speed up that process?

Trust God’s Reasons

If you follow David’s example, then the answer is “No.” Instead, you need to recognize that God has His reasons for His timing. Trust Him to handle it. Instead of building a case against the supervisor, maybe you should strive to make them look good.

The goal here is to remember that you are working for the Lord, not for men. Do all you do in a way that honors Jesus, regardless of what your “feelings” tell you to do.

God Assigns Authority

We could go on and on with examples, but I think you get the idea. We need to follow David’s example and recognize that no one is in authority unless God has placed them there. We may not like it, but it is not our job to pass judgment on God’s choices for authority.

It is our job to honor God AND the authority He has placed over us (Romans 13:1-2). We then must trust Him to make a change in that authority when it is His timing to do so. Until then, we are to work as if working for our Lord. He will reward us for this – now or later.

Have you felt this way about a non-believer in leadership above you?

What has been your strategy?

How has that worked out for you?