Salt & Light

Geraldine, I am not familar with the article you mentioned. But I am with the concept of allowing our occupation be a form of ministry. If this is the case it also follows that godly principles will be employed in its operation. Principles like honesty, helpfulness, free of coveteousness in its operation come to mind. If the occupation puts you in contact with people, God will give you opportunites to speak for him if you are sensitive to the Spirit. It seems to me if your vocation is hardening you, you need to get right with the Lord and if he so leads you, look for some other kind of work where He wants you to be. Oh, and what do we do? We grow tomatoes hydroponically in a greenhouse and sell retail at the GHs. We have had opportunities to share with customers but will not force it on them when they come. These are my thoughts on this subject...might have more as time goes on...Blessings,Ginnyrose

The challenge with business is that it can create conflict over mismatched perceptions of value and service...I think anyone who positions their business as an evangelistic tool needs to be willing to lay down their business interests during times of disagreement. Most business owners aren't willing to do this which leads to unexpected problems. People will judge your business at a very high standard if you are preaching with it.The whole idea of a business is to provide a value to a customer. The best way to honor Christ in business is to treat your customers like Christ Himself. Honoring their need in a way that is different then other business will speak volumes...and open doors. Regarding using a pub for ministry, that just doesn't seem right. We American religous have our standards. We cuss, own guns, overeat, waste money, and cheat on our spouses....but we draw the line when it comes to drinking alcohol. :-( "Take care to live honestly, justly, quietly with love and peace among yourselves, your neighbors and, if possible, be at peace with all men. In what you can, do good to all men, especially to such as fear the Lord. Forget not to entertain strangers, according to your ability; if it be done in sincerity, it will be accepted, especially if to a disciple in the name of a disciple. Do to all men as you would have them do to you." MC

Dear Geraldine,I'm not sure why Compton was making light of cussing, overeating, cheating on spouses, wasteing money, or drinking. These subjects are nothing to joke about.Many people think they are doing the Lord's work while doing worldly things. Often people who smoke or drink think that by using these substances they are accepted by others. Probably someday we will read of a person working in an adult bookstore or a brothel saying the same things as the lady in the article you read. We need to be seperated from the world as Christians, not be user friendly in the world.As far as a Christian allowing an occupation to become a ministry, this is exactly what should be happening. Our occupations should be done unto Christ and for him.In Christ,GaryE

Gary, I'm not sure why Compton was making light of cussing, overeating, cheating on spouses, wasteing money, or drinking.I was afraid of that. I was pointing at our American religous tradition of singling out people who drink alcohol. I probably shouldn't have used humor to make the ironic point...You are right...these issues are no laughing matter and I am sorry for any humor that appears to make light of them. (That wasn't my intention.)Forgive me all for the offense. I realize that all of us have been touched by these issues, often in painful ways, and I certainly could have stated my point in a less lighthearted manner. MC

Dear Mike,1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 1Co 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 1Co 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.Once, I was an unsaved alcoholic. There was a person who was suppose to be a Christian who would get under the influence of alcohol. He was a church leader and by living the life this way, he kept those like myself from entering in from entering in. If that is what a Chrisian is, who wants to be one, was a thought that went through my mind. Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.As the Word says in 1 Corinthians chapter 11, we must examine our own hearts as we take communion. Like the Priests in the book of Leviticus, lets check out the fat, caul, and kidneys of the offering and make sure that it's a good offering. Let's be living sacrifices ourselves. Let's be burnt offerings ourselves and be consumed by the fire of God. Let's pick up the cross of God's will for our lives and die to this world. Let's put our hand in God's hand and be as children and let God take us where he wants us to go. Let's season our offering with salt. Let's not be conformed to this world or lovers of this world.Soon after salvation, in need of employment, I took a civil service test to work in a State Liquor Store. For a long time I couldn't figure out why I wasn't hired. Working at the liquor store was totally out of God's will. Mike, I realize you probably did not think it was a good idea for the lady to be working in a pub either.Mike,there is no offence taken.In Christ,GaryE

Once, I was an unsaved alcoholic. There was a person who was suppose to be a Christian who would get under the influence of alcohol. He was a church leader and by living the life this way, he kept those like myself from entering in from entering in.Thank you much for sharing this. I gratefully welcome your correction as if from a faithful friend. I appreciate you not being offended but I still feel silly for being so careless. The last thing I would want to do is belittle the struggles and the victories that makes up our different testimonies in Christ. Mike, I realize you probably did not think it was a good idea for the lady to be working in a pub either.I think it can lead to problems even if well intentioned. However I admit that I was missing the dept and experience of your persective ...as you brought up...1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.Well thanks again Gary. I'm glad this thread has allowed me to learn more about you sir.Bless you,MC