Vision Logo Circle
Vision Logo Circle

Christian Persecution in the Workplace a Good Thing?

by | Wed, Feb 10 2021

Text size: A- A+
Coworkers bullying woman in meeting

We are all living in a new era of intensity every day when we go to work, as a result of the changes that have come during 2020 – the pressure of lockdowns, relationships, a transition to an increasingly virtual workplace.

Along with these Covid-related factors that everyone is experiencing, Christians are facing additional pressures from changing corporate polices on issues such as LGBTQI+. Even your co-workers likely have differing world-views from you What happens when your workplace holds different values from your Biblical ethics?

While too much pressure can lead to an explosion in the workplace, some pressure can actually be a good thing.
Andrew Laird, who works with City Bible Forum in Melbourne and is National Manager of Life@Work, joined Neil Johnson on Vision’s 20Twenty program to share about an initiative aimed at connecting Christian faith with our daily work.


“I think our immediate reaction is to think negatively because they can leave us feeling crushed,” Andrew begins.

“But pressure from a Christian perspective can actually be doing great good in our lives…like when you squeeze an orange and get juice.”

“Having a more rounded perspective on pressure can recognise that the right amount of pressure applied in the right way can actually be a good thing for us.”

“Sometimes when there is a little bit of pressure we can actually produce better results than if there was no pressure.”

“But of course there’s a flipside to that and this is probably what people immediately think of when they think of pressure at work – so many demands, under so much weight and burden that is actually leaves us feeling pretty crushed.”

“As Christians there are pressures to work that are common to all regardless of faith, but there are those increasing pressures that are unique to the Christian person in the workplace because of their faith.”

“Think about how we handle both type of pressures such that they actually produce good in our life, rather than leave us crushed.”

Andrew Laird
Andrew Laird

Working Not Just For Your Employer, But For God

“One of my colleagues, author Steve McAlpine, talks about Christians now no longer just being the kind of people you could ignore, but they’re what our culture would describe as ‘the bad guys’. Our views on sexuality and other areas are actually seen as harmful and oppressive and many people are coming up against that in the workplace.”

“But to frame it positively when we think about the pressure as a good thing, I was speaking recently to a number of overseas missionaries. When their faith has been under pressure, that’s actually led them or encouraged them to speak and live more boldly than perhaps they otherwise would if no one ever questioned them or challenged them.”

“I’m not suggesting pressures in the workplace are going to be pleasant or even fun, but one of the things that we should keep in mind is that they often might encourage us to live in an even more distinct way and to actually speak up more about our faith than if no one ever challenged us.”

Continue listening to Neil’s conversation with Andrew in the podcast below where they also answer questions from Vision listeners facing real persecution in their workplaces.

Tune into 20Twenty and join the conversation with Neil Johnson, weekdays on Vision Christian Radio. Click here for your local times.

More from 20Twenty

Preparing Ageing Relatives for Easter

For elderly people in our communities, Easter can be a time for celebration and renewal. It’s an opportunity to gather with family and friends and reflect on the joy of the season.

Tasmania’s Faith Communities Shine

Christians understand the call to love our neighbours as ourselves, and throughout Australia, many of our local churches are doing just that.

Superannuation and Your Legacy

Many people are unaware of a crucial distinction in the distribution of their superannuation. Super is considered a non-estate asset.

Generosity and Accountability in God’s Kingdom

The topic of money and its relationship to the Kingdom of God is one of enormous depth. Many Christians find it to be a constant challenge.

Images via Shutterstock.