Page 17 - January 2026 - Truth & Tidings

The Conduct in more restrictive environments will

“Purloining” may not be a common need to ponder other ways to possibly
open the door for any spiritual conversa-
word in our vocabulary, but it is simple tion. Maybe bowing your head to give
to understand: it is the same word used thanks for lunch will be enough to have
of Ananias and Sapphira, who “kept back someone ask what you are doing. Perhaps
part of the price” (Act 5:2). They didn’t you can have a few gospel tracts poking
keep back all of it, mind you, but it did out of your pocket that will give you an
manifest a lack of honesty and integrity. opportunity to share the gospel message
Simply put, it means taking something with others.
that does not belong to me. So, if one is As we consider conversations, let’s
paid for working seven and a half hours a remember that there are times when we
day, the employer rightfully expects seven need to be very careful in our participa-
and a half hours of productive time. If I tion. There are discussions that we need
am trying to show a good Christian char- to stay away from: “neither filthiness, nor
acter, others will observe that I am using foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
my paid time to actually perform for the convenient” (Eph 5:4). Our lack of par-
company. It has become increasingly easy ticipation in such discussions may open
to surreptitiously pilfer paid time on any a door for questions later with someone.
available screen. Getting involved in heated conversations
It should go without saying that “pur- about political and social matters will
loining” or “pilfering” also means that I prove to be counterproductive as well.
do not remove anything from the premises Let’s remember what Peter wrote: “But
that does not belong to me, no matter sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and
how small it is, or how common it may be ready always to give an answer to every
be amongst my fellow workers to do so. man that asketh you a reason of the hope
Again, remember that not only are God that is in you with meekness and fear”
and my employer observing, but there (1Pe 3:15). Our attitude as we converse
may be workmates who will see a differ- with seeking souls has substantial impact.
ence in our conduct.
The Content
The Conversation
As believers, we need to have a good
It usually is easier to have a conversa- understanding of the gospel message
tion about spiritual truths with a colleague itself. Many conversations may be very
when I have developed some relationship brief, so being prepared with some memo-
with them. This does not happen over- rized verses will be helpful. Not only are
night, nor is this an excuse to not share the good gospel tracts beneficial, but having
gospel with someone I don’t know well. small Gospels of John at the ready can be
Obviously, situations vary from place a blessing to others.
to place. For example, there may be no
company policy against having a small The Control
gospel text on your desk or wall that may If our burden to reach others is great,
open up the way to have a conversation let’s remember God’s desire for “all men to
at the appropriate time. Those who work be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
Continued on p. 24
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