Integrity can be lonesome

While I live it imperfectly, (thus my need for a savior) I do strive to live an authentic Christian life. One category includes my work and work ethic. Lately my morale at work has been suffering. For the mere fact that I really try to let my faith influence my work ethic, my work attitude, how I treat others at work, etc.

I am often the positive oddball at work. Some have treated me with a lot of hostility because of that, some really seem to appreciate it. Nonetheless having integrity for the sake of Christ can be a really lonely thing sometimes. I won't lie that can get to me sometimes.

Anyway I just wanted to share some verses that really encouraged me. They remind me that I am to be different, that I am called to stick out, that integrity bears fruit, and that being in Christ is not going to please people nor always be easy.

It's been a hard year for me at work and I think I will just focus on these verses below to help get me through it. Also yesterday I got a really good annual review which has boosted my morale a bit. Praise God.

Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.


1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)

For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

John 15:8 ( NLT)
"If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first."


Ephesians 6: 5 - 8 (NIV)

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Matthew 5:13-16 (New International Version)

Salt and Light

¹³"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.