Dear Brother,
Who said anything about Bible Thumping? Let me give you my own story. There was a person who stopped me in the hallway at work and had a question concerning the Bible. He knew to ask me, because my work space had all the identifying marks of a Christian
Scripture Verses, Screen savors with rotating Scripture verses or other similar items that would give me comfort on many a day. Anyway, while I was talking with the young man. The HR Director walked by and looked at us, and I returned his look. The Spirit told me that this would come back. It took about two weeks, when the Director of my section, asked to speak to me behind closed doors. This was a first by the way of ever having a closed door session with my Director. As I sat down, the Spirit told it that it had to do with what happened 2 weeks prior. So, before letting the Director speak. I told her what it was about.
Meaning that the HR Director had seen me in the hallway talking with a young man concerning the Bible. She had a look of amazement on her face when I identified the why of this meeting. I then continued to let her know that should anyone ever stop me and desire to talk concerning my faith, the Bible, etc. I would continue to do so, even if it cost me my job. Now if that was what was going to do, then she should go for it, because my faith, and helping others was my primary concern, and not the job. Jobs come, and they go. If God wanted me there, I knew that there was nothing that man or woman
could do to change that, and if He had another place for me to be, then that was okay too.
My director used a word I didn't recognize. Which I believe was Catholic one for someone driven by faith. She told me that she understood, and that if possible, just to minimize these situations, and in truth she was only relaying what she was directed to by HR.
Still I did let her know that I meant in sincerity that if it cost me my job so be it. However, it also didn't mean that I wasn't going to go down without a fight. I donate to an organization called American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) which does legal work for those who have problems due to their religion. Be it at work, school, etc. What I would suggest you do, is find out exactly what laws govern the do's and don'ts of free speech, in particular as it pertains to religion. Many HR's think to run rough shod over people of faith, and succeed in this because many believers accept what they are told on face value, and don't do the necessary research to find out what they can or cannot say. That is why if one says Bible Thumping is not allowed, I would ask what do you mean by Bible Thumping? In truth what they are saying is that Evangelizing is not allowed, which I have no problem with, unless you're on your own time. Just speaking about Scripture, the Word of God is okay to do! If they say no, then have them give you a written document stating so, then you can get in contact with an organization, which doesn't have to be the ACLJ, but one that deals with such cases. Normally, cost is not an issue with them. For they are able to do this, by the donations they receive from others. They are powerful advocates for the Faith. The head of the ACLJ, is actually part of the legal team for President Trump, during the Impeachment hearings. He has done more then one case before the Supreme Court as well. There are resources out there for the Believer, when they are being persecuted in the Workplace. Use them, because you're not powerless. You are a Child of God, and He has provided resources for you to use, so use them!!! Doing so, will not only help you in this job, whether you stay or leave, but also those who follow who are of the faith as well!
More important is how you deal with the individual situations that come up during your work day. Whether co-workers, who are trying to entrap you, by speaking of your faith or you include yourself into a conversation and discuss how your faith has helped you out. Sometimes, if someone is going through a hard time, just let them know you'll pray for them, and then don't forget to do so. Not necessarily then and there, but don't tell them something and then don't do it! Remember that it's okay to do these things. There is nothing that says you can't! Just evangelizing is not to be done. Just talking about what you believe in and how it has helped you, which you can do by using examples of things that have happened in your life, and how God has helped, is not something you can't do. Especially if the other person is the one who initiates the conversation. Just get to know your rights! People like to toss HR around as some all powerful overseer that has the last word. Not so, and most times they themselves don't know all the existing laws that govern free speech in the workplace or figure nobody is going to challenge them on it. In fact you might just get to know your HR people, and pray for them as well.
You next thought on having done something wrong in this life or past life.....if reincarnation is what you think is possible. Then disabuse yourself of it. It's not. You have this one life to live, and then joyously for us, we get to be with the Lord!! Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
Understand that you life is now in Christ, and is not of your own.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 I have a feeling that your sufferings are more due to the fact that you care so much then the circumstances themselves! I used to as a child, look out the window and see people walking down the street, and the thought would come to me that many of these people were going to Hell. Tears would start rolling down my cheeks for my heart going out to them. I still feel for people, but it's changed. Meaning that I do what I can to present, or help in some matter those I don't know. An uplifting word, an act of kindness, and if I'm blessed a long conversation on what Jesus means to me. Since then, I know that each person has decisions to make and I can't make them for them. I can pray for them, over them, but if they reject it. I've come to understand and hope that the seed has been planted, and pray that another may water it, to blossom into God's Saving Grace through Jesus Christ. I'll not admit defeat even though I may not know the outcome in each persons life! My hope is in Jesus, and not my own abilities or what the World tells me that this or that is what the results are going to be.
A Teacher in the class I'm currently taking in Church, likes to say "you're either in the middle of something or getting ready to get into something." as it pertains to God working in your life. Understand there is more growth from the trials we go through, then the easy times. We rarely learn from the easy ones, while the hard times, always have something to teach us. And with this teaching, we use it not only to benefit ourselves, but others more importantly! So, stay faithful, and know that all you are going through will be used to help others, as well as yourself, to the Glory of God, and prayerfully to the increase for the Kingdom of God!
Keep in touch and let me know who things are going Brother!!
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
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