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Should Religion/ Faith Be In The Workplace?

I know there would be a never-ending debate to this topic: Should we ever bring religion and faith into your business?

I feel deeply about this topic off and on, so I want to share some of my personal thoughts in this subject matter. See if you agree with me. And if you don't, that's perfectly fine too. What I do not want are heated arguments and slandering. I cannot and will not tolerate it. We can respectfully disagree. Please follow my story as I answer this question.

I am whom I am in business and in life. I dont think you can separate me that way. One thing that I strive to do is to live a life worthy of one statement: "Well done, my good and faithful servant". Everything I do, I hope to live out this ultimate goal that someday, when my time has come, God would greet me in Heaven with those words.

If you didn't know, my Christian walk is very new. I have only been a Christ follower for about five years. Although very short, I feel I have come a long ways from where I used to be. Don't get me wrong. I was never an evil person and for those who are not Christians, I'm not saying that you are. But my life and especially my view points in every single thing I do, say or think have thoroughly changed since taking up the cross.

My father (who is not a believer yet) and I debated this topic several years ago. Although he knows Christ, he chooses not to accept Him "yet". For some reason, he thinks that Christians lead a deprived life. He wants to accept Christ right before he passes on so that he gets to go to Heaven. But not before because I think he still wants to "party".

My answer to "mixing religion/ faith and business" has alot to answer his fears/ concerns.

I know the life I lived before. It's not a horrible life but knowing what I know now, I know it can be much better. I used to worship at the altar of the Green Bucks (money) for it brought alot of security to me. At 20, away from my parents and thousands of miles away, I learnt very quickly that money can buy alot of problems away - much faster than my mom and dad could buy a plane ticket here to rescue me. (They are 30 hours flight time away). I worked ALOT and don't get me wrong, my husband and I have probably set ourselves apart financially from most people our age because we were savers. But that was the only life I knew. Work, work, work at all costs to gain what the World recognize as Success: Fame and Power.

Family bonding time are not important to me and I didn't know how to appreciate the beauty of God's natural wonders. I lived a very stressful life of trying to acquire more because Bigger was Better.

Since I decided to take up that cross, I personally feel that things are seem to make more sense. I start to enjoy life more and I start to appreciate people better - in a much more in-depth and meaningful way. I also believe that I would not write in the style and level that I do, had I not decided to take up that cross.

It used to be ALL about Me. Although I'm still learning, it's ALL about THEM now. I learn to take the focus off me and put it on those around me: be it my clients, my friends or family.

Christians dont live a deprived life. And if you ask me... those individuals who truly and fully live for God are those who have inner peace that no man or money can buy.

Also, when tragedy strike (yes, Christians face all sorts of challenges just like non-Christians), there is an underlining peace that covets me, that previously wasn't here.

I honestly believe that I wouldn't be as ethical or carry as high of an integrity level in my business dealings should I have never taken up that cross. It used to be all about me. So, back then, I would have sought an answer for me while trying to find a good solution for my clients.

I dont want to project a horrible image of myself in my previous life because I still had alot of good characteristics. But it is truly different now. I guess you have to experience the difference yourself to really know what I mean.

One quote keeps ringing in my head: Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching. That is what I want to live up to - in life and in business. And yes, I know you can do that even without being a Christian. But I can only answer to my life. So, my answer is always right for my life.

How could one ever separate faith in the workplace would really boggles me. While I try to lead a life worthy of my life statement, I never beat the bible over my clients' heads, I never ever once bring up the subject about religion. I honestly feel that there is no need to. There is only one agenda for my clients - to super-serve them the best way I know how. It is not to ask them to become believers. Their time will come and my mission is clear. To love on all God's people. That's all I am called to do and I plan to do it well.

Here are some of the principles I apply in my business that are biblically based:

Do to others as you want others do unto you.
Dont worry about anything, instead pray about everything.
My God is my provider, not man.
God made the bees and the ants. He make them work to find food everyday and they have never went without. So, if God cares about the birds and the flowers so much, what more would he do for me - the apple of His eye?
Be still and know that I am God.
When trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity to grow. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
If you need wisdom, ask God (not man).
When you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver. When your loyalty is divided between God and man, you become unstable in everything you do.
Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
I planted, Apollos watered but God made it grow.
Even Jesus didn't come to be served, but serve.

So, there you have it in my long answer. When someone "brings" their religion/ faith into the business, it doesn't always have to mean having an "evangelical" motive. Sometimes, we are only called to serve and serve them well. God will do the rest. It's not your plan so back out of it.

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I proudly serve and sell real estate in the northern suburb cities of the Dallas metroplex. If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in neighborhoods of Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area and other surrounding areas and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me at your earliest convenience.

I employ a systematic market approach in selling your home - an intentionally unique proposal that most real estate agents do not use. Find out how past clients are on their way to the closing table with this different proposition to home selling.

Contact:
Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com

Posted by Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of www.Frisco-TX-Homes.com (214) 783-2210 on 05/21/2009 01:14 PM

Comments (20)

Faith and Religion in Business in the ActiveRain Channel

faith and religion, christian real estate

Originally posted at: faithfully frisco tx homes for sale: Should Religion/ Faith Be In The Workplace?

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20 Comments on Should Religion/ Faith Be In The Workplace?

MAY

Hi Loreena, I believe there is a great tolerance for faith in our everyday lives. When it is presented as though anyone not living up to their standards is somehow less worthy it becomes contentious. If you are sincere about this subject not becoming too personal perhaps you should direct it to one of the many fine religious sub-groups.

I agree that one cannot separate their faith from their life. I am Christian everywhere and in everything I do. I DON'T, however, think that one should bring up Christianity to their business clients as a regular thing, or look on their business as evangelical opportunities. If the Holy Spirit wants you to say something specific to a specific person, he will let you know. Otherwise I think your faith should show in how you treat people, not in how you corner people and preach to them.

I also don't think one should "wear their faith on their sleeve". Those fish on the cards are just fishing for business.

Great post. I appreciate the time and thought you put into it. To stick to the subject. A real Christian does not separate, what would you call it, normal life from business. When we are Christian we are to be examples. Our whole life is an example. This does not mean we should be pushy about our faith, but we need to live it and look for the openings the Spirit sets before us every day.

Here is a study site that may interest you.

http://hystar.wordpress.com/

Prest Realty good comment it reminds me of one thing I learned about the Spirit. If the Spirit give you something to say, say it and shut up. Adding your own thoughts can only ruin the moment.

Hi Loreena-This is such a beautiful post. Well written and thought out. Awesome job. Have a great day<SMILE>

This is an awesome post. I am a Christian and I run my real estate company as a faith based business. I do not "Bible Thump" my clients, but I will tell you this...I pray over every person, transaction and decision before I make it. Doing this has saved me some serious grief over the years. I have actually been led to tell clients not to buy at this time. I didn't go all "religious" on them, but just counseled them about making fiscally prudent decisions. Every time they thanked me and waited and came back later. I am very upfront about my faith. I never tell people I am lucky but rather blessed in this life and in my career and I think it just comes through in how I "walk the walk." I know that I would not be where I am today if it weren't for God "having my back" because I sure didn't do all this on my own! I think you are right on and I applaud you for standing on your faith, beliefs and principles.

Dennis: I agree with your statement...ad-libbing on a spirit message is bad ju-ju!!!! :o)))

The question really is, how can I not relate my faith daily as a committed Christian? One's faith is not like a country club membership, by definition it will affect everything you do, and that is great. No more than you can hide that you are female, right handed or whatever, Christianity it in the very fiber of who you are. This does not mean you need to wear a cross everyday, or keep the radio to the Christian music channel (although I do) or make any verbal proclamation. You will have plenty of opportunity to mention to people as you drive by, here is where I worship. Or sorry, every Wednesday there is a small group that meets at my house.

If one is wondering how to incorporate their faith into the activities of the day, maybe you need to look at your definition of what being a Christian is? If you just acknowledge that it is part of who you are, then you will not have to apologize when it is apparent. Anymore than one in your area might apologize for being a Cowboys fan.

I love God and Jesus and am especially grateful that I can just be me. I think that my belief in God goes with me everywhere I am, even when I'm being naughty(that's why I need Jesus - LOL). I have a Judeo-Christian neclace from Jerusalem that is lovely which I refuse to take off. Sometimes people notice it and realize I have faith, sometimes they comment its an unusual piece but do not know where it comes from or what the symbols mean. I think when most people hire you, they hire all of you and do not mind (e.g. I've never been asked) whether a Realtor is a person of faith or not. So far, I've worked with everyone: Transgender, Asexual, Heterosexual, Homosexual... we have a good time. It's all about scoping homes and sharing stories about our family and work between assignments. God is Love. People recognize love. People gravitate towards professionals who show them respect while earning it for themselves. Since I've been on AR I've met some incredible people in and out of the industry. AR is a blessing, a gift from God. That's why I love when people acknowledge God on this network. We've tuned into the gift. We're enjoying a huge blessing. :-)

Loreena, as a life long Christian with faith as my greatest gift I very much admire the testimony of your journey. We are called to not be of the world but be "in" the world. I think you have the right focus. Live your faith. Let it be a great example and much better than words any day.

While I respect the right of everyone to hold beliefs dear and to exhibit their tenets via their ethics, I prefer not to be bombarded in the workplace - which I am not implying you do, Loreena. Normally, I would have read your post and not commented. But you did ask for opinions. I prefer to work in and around a faith-neutral environment.

And thank you for asking!

Irene, that is very interesting. I don't think a "faith neutral" environment can exist because faith is intangible and the intangible can't be restricted. Interesting concept though... People believe in a lot of things. They have faith in a lot of things.

When I press an elevator button I believe it will come get me. When I step onto it I have faith it will take me where I expect to go. My faith in having my expectations met becomes more ingrained everytime I take that elevator ride. It can crash and burn at anytime, but I have faith that it wont so I make use of it.

People of faith have expectations and because we exercise our faith daily, moment by moment, we don't think about when we're having a faith moment or not, as it is never a neutral thing. Its fluid and dynamic and as essential as the air we breathe. It dictates our choices. It gives us strength to do things we might not otherwise do.

I'm retired law enforcement and my faith in God protecting me made it possible to stare down the barrel of a gun, get shot at three times and never once stop or hesitate to face an inmate or criminal when the crap hit the fan. I've had urine and feces thrown on me. I've been set on fire. I've been shived and shanked and disarmed felons. I had a bomb threat at my home where the miscreant was bold enough to leave a voice message to let me know what was coming and why. I was traumatized to have my loved ones threatened but still went back to work. I've been assaulted and I've been held hostage. God kept me calm. Because of my faith I do what needs to be done while running towards danger while everyone else is screaming and fleeing away. Just because I retired in 2004 doesn't mean I still don't help or defend people or my faith still doesn't trigger a protective response. I am fooling around because I'm finally relaxing from maximum security inmates but I take things seriously in a heartbeat and know how to mobilize resources when it matters most. It's ingrained and that's what I was trained for so being a Realtor makes life interesting, especially since the majority of my clients are government employees from my sphere of influence.

I have faith that I am still protected, so I do what I have to the exact moment I'm called upon to act and that is not an easy thing. I am supposed to be a civilian but the truth is the danger of crossing the wrong path still exists and I have to be very careful. People still finger me for an officer and Ihave been accused of being the police a couple of times (LOL). Recently I couldn't see a listing and people were climbing out the back and side windows because I rang a bell once and a former inmate answered the door (LMAO). Imagine being a Realtor wondering if you're going to get your clients shot with you on a doorstep because someone selected the wrong listing to view at the wrong date and time. I could never be faith-neutral. It's just not in me. The idea fascinates me, but my enemies keep me grounded with God. I really need my Heavenly Father looking out for me at all times.

I've done a lot of things afraid, but faith trumps fear and I'm still here doing new things because I believe I can do anything I set my mind to do. To have that kind of attitude takes faith. :-)

If people didn't have faith in the maintenance staff, the electricity, inspectors, engineers and the building management (blind faith since we don't know them all) people would never ride an elevator for any reason because people wouldn't believe it would work. It may be a small amount of faith but it is still faith never the less. That intangible thing that makes people believe their car breaks wont fail, the elevators wont crash, they will wake up okay in the morning and their food is safe to eat is faith. Imagine if it were taken away for a 50-50 neutrality type of living. People would be terrified or anxious a lot of the time because neutrality is subjective and doesn't have a ground zero but does have a political correct ring to it.

Faith is dynamic and essential fr people like me to function and get through the day. That's why the Bible says a measure of faith is given to every man. It's ingrained in our DNA. How much of it we use or ignore depends upon the choices made by the individual. What we choose to have it in is also an individual eenie-meenie-minie-moe moment we constantly have and talk about. Since none of us can read each others mind or heart, a faith-neutral environment is really smoke and mirror comfort. Not really comfort at all... it would kill a lot of conversations as well (LOL). Faith isn't exclusive to religious beliefs and relationships. Faith stands alone as an intagible thing.

I do respect your right for your preference, but would never let anyone's personal preference interfere with my own. Freedom of Religion and Freedom FROM Religion are two very distinct things. Freedom of Religion makes Freedom From Religion impossible. Religion is a system of beliefs and we all have them. Not believing God is real is a system of belief. Atheist actually have religion (LMAO).

Some people have faith that there is no God. I have faith that there is and when asked would never deny the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. I crave their company, which also separates relationship from religion. People of faith have a relationship and religion. They pray expecting a response, even if the answer turns out to be not what they want to hear. God has answered way too many of my prayers with specificity for me to ever be politically correct about anything regarding not enjoying my Judeo-Christian faith (LOL). :-)

L, sorry I mini-highjacked your post. Felt moved to get my two cents into cyberspace. Irene inspired some interesting thoughts. Wonder what kind of e-mail I'm gonna get behind this one. :)

Christians deprived? Only a person who hasn't spent time with God would feel that way. Even some Christians might feel that way. But they just haven't scratched the surface yet. I would lose any and everything to be with God and an eternity with God. Indeed, losing even my life would be easier than it is to live for God at times, but NO MATTER what EVER goes on, when you have spent time with Jesus in deep, intimate fellowship, there really is nothing in this world that can compare. To anyone that is considering Christianity, wether you are a Christian now or not, I submit to you this. Give God one month where you seek hHim and read the Bible. If you truly seek Him, and He doesn't reveal Himself, than so be it. But this is the test that I used, and I have never looked back. Jesus is my passion and my reason for life, and I am not missing out on anything.

Bravo - great post! Faith that isn't lived isn't really faith at all - it's something else trying to look like faith, isn't it? We're Christians, but not pushy about it - just serving God, and praying God will lead and use us for His kingdom in our everyday life. Bless y'all!

MAY

Loreena,

I saw your post on facebook and couldn't resist replying. I agree with you but I understand your father's viewpoint too. As a relatively young believer you seem to have gotten a good grasp on how faith applies in your life. Unfortunately may Christians don't see that. True faith, as you said is in everything we do. If we don't constantly say the name of Jesus to our clients it doesn't mean we can't reflect his nature to them in all we do. But there is a difference in true humility and putting on the Christian act. I am not an evangelist but I am always willing to share my faith. I can't tell you how many times I find the biggest obstacle to bringing someone to Christ is other Christians who don't live their faith but constantly throw out Christian cliches to everyone. I think what your father means is that he sees some Christians using "humility" as an excuse for laziness and apathy. I know that's a hard saying but it's true. I know I've never met you but I feel like I know you from your posts and our communication. You seem very genuine to me. Unfortunately I can't say that about many Christians I know. So to the outside world, living out faith seems offensive. I have to say I am in a good church I really enjoy but before I found that church I frankly was ready to just throw my hands up and tell God I didn't want to deliberately have anything to do with Christians until after we are gathered to him. I helped start a congregation and stayed there for 25 years. For the last 15 of those years I battled some very power hungry and frankly mean spirited people. As a matter of fact I once heard a pastor say some of the most mean spirited people he had ever met, he met in church. It shouldn't be that way. The world is watching what we do to see if it matches what we say. You seem to have almost a childlike innocence to your personality. I pray you stay that way and that those of us who are more "seasoned" believers can learn from you. God bless!

C T-S,

My preference only is that when that elevator comes and I'm on it too, that you don't drown out the Muzak by explaining to a captive audience your views on elevators. I had hoped to convey "walk the walk" certainly, but perhaps restrain the talk in such an environment.

Sadly, I've been forced to eavesdrop on subject matter FAR less appropriate for public consumption but I can get off that elevator on any floor!

Irene - I just read your first comment. True Christianity is primarily shown by who we are, not what we do. I've found that often those who talk the loudest aren't the real deal. And they do more harm for the faith then good. Having said that, the cross of Jesus is a confrontational situation. It isn't a passive conversation, so it is a difficult one for some people because they are "forced" to be reflective and consider the reality of eternal life/heaven/hell, etc. If the message of the Bible's message is communicated accurately, people shouldn't have a problem with the messenger, but the content of the Bible itself. (If they do indeed have a problem). It makes me also think of this similiar situation; if we look at Jesus for our historical records alone, He would have to either be God or a lunatic, because He himself "said He was God". I don't beleive it is fair to view Jesus as just another "nice guy" - after all, He was either a crazy man or He was what He said He was. The fact is most people don't want to look at the situation directly and make a decision. It is too difficult for some people to address, and that makes religion a difficult topic to discuss with others. Alright I'm stepping off the soapbox now.

I appreciate everyone's comment in this subject matter. Just like the action of following Christ, I understand that this subject matter would never end in a discussion. But I appreciate that all of you care enough to share.

I am so suprized that this was not featured in C&RE ...I am doing that NOW!!

AWESOME POST, sis!!!

(I am STILL thinking of my post you asked for, Loreena)

\O/

MAY

Irene, I agree I wouldn't want a bunch of people holding me captive for any conversation I'm not interested in participating in (LOL). If I overhear them, it's not their fault that I listened (LMAO). ;-)

MAY

Hmmm. Loreena's testimony illustrates the truth of this oft-heard premise: your life is often the only "Bible" some people will ever read, or as Paul stated, "We are living epistles, read of all men". The life I live because of Christ, that's what people see, and I don't even have to say a word. They know there is something different about me, and that difference, as Loreena so beautifully stated, is the cross. There are times when the Spirit will open up the door for a conversation, and other times there will be nothing more than a silent observation - but the seed is being planted, make no mistake about it.

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