What does the Bible say about Christians who hide their identity at work?

Question:

What does the Bible say about Christians who hide their identity at work?

I am very sorry that there are more and more situations like this today. A man who is ashamed of his Christian identity and in fact, does not understand the seriousness of this.

Jesus said:

 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels. (Luke 9:26 NASB)

We live in times of religious freedom, but the shame is greater than in times of persecution. Why? Because…

People are not what they claim to be.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” If you have been called from darkness to light, it will be visible. Living faith cannot be hidden. Our Christian life should be a light that attracts people; it should be very obvious that we are different, we think differently, we act differently. But if our holy deeds sound silent, what will attract people? Our deeds in Christ must be a reason to start a conversation at work.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NASB)

You do not have the discipline of daily Bible study.

If we begin each day with a special time spent with God, listening to his edifying words, we will be zealous and eager to share the deep truths of our Lord. It is impossible to be silent and not share with others when God speaks to you.

I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. (2 Timothy 4:1-2 NASB)

The word gives us both courage and foresight about what to talk about, how to talk, who to talk to. A man who is in the teaching of God will love people and will want to speak to them from the Word, no matter where they are: at work, at home, on the street, etc.

You don’t care about people.

A Christian is a disciple of Christ; it means to follow in His footsteps, to have the same feelings as His own. The Lord Jesus Christ served the people, and all his life he sought their good. The greatest good you can do to a man is to tell him about Christ, about everlasting life, and tell him the gospel.

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: “But the righteous one will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17 NASB)

You are ashamed.

We often do not confess our faith, because we are ashamed of people. What will they say about me, how will they treat me when they find out? Are we more ashamed of what people are saying than of breaking God’s command ?!

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:7-8 NASB)

My mother repented during the communist regime. She was a teacher at school No. 1 in Chisinau. Many children were studying here, who’s parents held high positions; and if they found out that my mother had repented, it was obvious that she would be fired. As soon as my mother repented, she began to talk to one teacher and the other. She did it carefully and wisely, but in the end the head of studies found out and called her and spoke to her very badly. Then the mother went straight to the school principal and told him openly that she was a Christian and believed in the Lord Jesus now, and if necessary, she would apply for dismissal. It was a very courageous step for my mother. She worked hard to become a teacher, school was her whole life, she loved children and she received enormous satisfaction from this profession. When the school principal heard this, he reassured her that they needed such workers; and sometimes he would call her and ask her for advice from the Bible about certain subjects. The headmistress left the school and another lady came with whom my mother became friends. God always honors brave people. Even people respect the determined and steadfast.

May God help us to never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ!

Translated by Didina Vicliuc