Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:9-10).1
It is a marvellous yet weighty truth that we, as believers saved by God’s mercy (3:5), have the immense privilege of “adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour.” We can actually make the gospel message attractive to other people by means of our lives; we can accentuate its beauty by what we say or do. The danger is that we can detract from it if we go about it in the wrong manner.
The Context
Paul, as he writes to Titus, is aware of the social norms of his day, which have greatly changed since then. He was writing about “servants,” which in other versions is translated as “bondservants” or “slaves.” Nonetheless, the principles governing our testimony in the workplace are still valid.
The Compassion
The obvious reason for which we wish to let others see our light shine is that we understand their latter end if they don’t come to know the Saviour. We live in an age when most don’t believe there is only one way to heaven, but with a sense of compassion for their souls we look for an opportunity to show them Christ.
The Carefulness
In the factory or office, we need to remember that we are serving both God and man. As Paul writes to Titus, he expresses the manward side of things (“being obedient to their own masters”), but when he writes to the Colossians, he reminds them that, as they do so, it is to be “not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God” (Col 3:22). How one serves their employer is an indication of their fear of God.
The Character
People around us will be much quicker to hear what we have to say if they observe a different character in us than in others – a Christ-like character. Paul speaks of their attitude – “not answering again” – in other words, showing humility. He also speaks of their “fidelity,” meaning that they can be trusted as they handle the affairs of the employer. We could add the need for honesty and integrity to this list as well. One can consider Christ as He served alongside Joseph showing this character, and take up the challenge to be like He was.
The Conduct
“Purloining” may not be a common word in our vocabulary, but it is simple to understand: it is the same word used of Ananias and Sapphira, who “kept back part of the price” (Act 5:2). They didn’t keep back all of it, mind you, but it did manifest a lack of honesty and integrity.
Simply put, it means taking something that does not belong to me. So, if one is paid for working seven and a half hours a day, the employer rightfully expects seven and a half hours of productive time. If I am trying to show a good Christian character, others will observe that I am using my paid time to actually perform for the company. It has become increasingly easy to surreptitiously pilfer paid time on any available screen.
It should go without saying that “purloining” or “pilfering” also means that I do not remove anything from the premises that does not belong to me, no matter how small it is, or how common it may be amongst my fellow workers to do so. Again, remember that not only are God and my employer observing, but there may be workmates who will see a difference in our conduct.
The Conversation
It usually is easier to have a conversation about spiritual truths with a colleague when I have developed some relationship with them. This does not happen overnight, nor is this an excuse to not share the gospel with someone I don’t know well.
Obviously, situations vary from place to place. For example, there may be no company policy against having a small gospel text on your desk or wall that may open up the way to have a conversation at the appropriate time. Those who work in more restrictive environments will need to ponder other ways to possibly open the door for any spiritual conversation. Maybe bowing your head to give thanks for lunch will be enough to have someone ask what you are doing. Perhaps you can have a few gospel tracts poking out of your pocket that will give you an opportunity to share the gospel message with others.
As we consider conversations, let’s remember that there are times when we need to be very careful in our participation. There are discussions that we need to stay away from: “neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient” (Eph 5:4). Our lack of participation in such discussions may open a door for questions later with someone. Getting involved in heated conversations about political and social matters will prove to be counterproductive as well.
Let’s remember what Peter wrote: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1Pe 3:15). Our attitude as we converse with seeking souls has substantial impact.
The Content
As believers, we need to have a good understanding of the gospel message itself. Many conversations may be very brief, so being prepared with some memorized verses will be helpful. Not only are good gospel tracts beneficial, but having small Gospels of John at the ready can be a blessing to others.
The Control
If our burden to reach others is great, let’s remember God’s desire for “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1Ti 2:4). Therefore, we can apply Paul’s words to our lives as well: “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Col 4:3-4). Christ, seen as the Servant of Jehovah, says: “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned” (Isa 50:4).
God is in control of our work life as well, and we can pray with confidence that doors will be opened and that believers can deliver the right message at the right moment in the right manner for Christ’s glory.
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV.
