Living Out Christian Values at Work
- Leslie Speas
- 7 days ago
- 12 min read
Think about how much of your life is spent at work. For most of us, it’s the majority of our waking hours. In many cases, we spend more time at work than we do with our families.
So, what’s the point? We spend a large portion of our lives preparing for work and doing it. That’s why how you show up at work matters so much. It is one of the most important places where we reveal our character and faith.
You don’t need to wear a cross or keep a Bible on your desk to show your faith. Most of the time, it shows up in how you act. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Show respect and kindness. Do your work with care and integrity.
When people consistently see those qualities in you, they notice. Over time, coworkers may come to you for advice, ask you to pray for them, or inquire about your faith. Living out Christian values is often the most authentic and effective way to demonstrate your beliefs in the workplace.
What are Values?
Values show up in how you actually behave—especially when it’s not easy. They shape your priorities, decisions, and how you treat others.
In my opinion, integrity, respect, humility, vulnerability, diligence, and compassion are important values for Christians to demonstrate in the workplace. Let’s take a look at each of these values in action.
Integrity
Integrity means doing the right thing for the right reason, even when no one is watching.
Unfortunately, we can probably all think of examples where this didn’t happen at work, such as throwing others under the bus, being dishonest, calling in sick, or engaging in an affair with a married coworker.
If integrity were always present in the workplace, we probably wouldn’t need policies such as codes of conduct, anti-harassment policies, and social media policies. And HR professionals like me wouldn’t have nearly as much job security!
A Personal Example
Early in my career, I worked with a manager who discovered a mistake in an important report that had already been shared with senior leadership. The error was significant and affected the numbers the leadership team used to make a decision.
When he discovered the mistake, the manager had a choice. He could quietly hope no one noticed, or he could acknowledge the error and correct it.
He went to the leadership team, explained what had happened, and took full responsibility. He didn’t blame anyone else or try to minimize the situation. He owned it and provided the correct information.
What stood out to me wasn’t the mistake; it was the response. The leadership team appreciated the manager’s honesty, and his credibility increased as a result.
That moment reinforced something important for me: integrity doesn’t mean we never make mistakes. It means we tell the truth and take responsibility when we do.
If you want a quick gut check on your integrity, ask yourself a few simple questions:
Do I show up consistently, no matter who I’m with?
Do I admit my mistakes?
Can people depend on me to follow through?
Scripture reminds us that living with integrity brings many benefits.
It can lead to promotion the right way (Nehemiah 7)
It brings favor and honor and opens the door for good things in our lives (Psalm 84:11)
It helps us find contentment (Proverbs 19:1)
It brings clarity and guidance to our lives (Proverbs 11:3)
It helps us become more like Jesus (Matthew 22:16)
David shares that the root of his integrity is his relationship with God:
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered. Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness (Psalm 26:1–3).
Living with integrity isn’t complicated—but it does require consistency. It shows up in simple ways: keeping your word, telling the truth, and refusing to participate in gossip. Over time, those small choices build trust and credibility.
Respect
Have you ever been treated with disrespect? I remember one personal experience clearly. I participated in a meeting where we had lunch in the conference room. Later that day, my boss, who was standing right outside the conference room, flagged me down as I was leaving the building and told me to take the jug of tea out of the room. Really? He was standing right there.
I knew he would never have done that if I had been male. And it wasn’t just me—he was an equal opportunity disrespecter.
If everyone respected one another, it would solve most of the “people problems” we see at work.
The Bible speaks clearly about how we should treat others. Jesus summed it up in what we often call the Golden Rule:
Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31).
Respect shows up in how you interact with people every day. It looks like listening without interrupting, inviting others to share their ideas, and treating people with fairness and courtesy.
It also means being mindful of how you communicate, including your tone, your body language, and how you respond when you disagree.
Of course, showing respect is not always easy. People have faults, and there are times when problems need to be addressed. Even so, the Bible instructs us to maintain a respectful attitude toward everyone.
Here are several reasons why God expects us to respect others:
First, we respect others because they were made in the image of God.
“For God has made mankind in his image” (Genesis 9:6).
Second, we respect others because God loves them.We should never dishonor someone God loves.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Third, we respect others because we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. You cannot truly love your neighbor and fail to show them respect.
There may be people you feel do not deserve your respect. Yet we are called to show respect anyway. The Bible even provides examples of this in our closest relationships.
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect” (1 Peter 3:7).
The same principle applies to other relationships. Peter wrote that we should show respect to everyone and honor the king—even though the king in those days was an evil person (1 Peter 2:17).
Respecting others is not about whether they deserve it. It is about honoring God in how we treat the people He created and loves.
Humility
Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. — C.S. Lewis
Humility is an important quality that doesn’t always get much positive press. It is sometimes viewed as meekness or weakness. But, in reality, it is a strength. It allows us to put others before ourselves, listen well, remain teachable, and focus on others rather than our own recognition.
Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).
This verse reminds us that living a life of biblical humility brings glory to God and “wealth and honor” to us.
It’s sometimes hard for us to show humility because something called pride rears its ugly head. Before we look at humility more closely, let’s take a look at pride.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).
Pride shows up in ways we don’t always recognize at first. It can look like insisting on our point without really listening or struggling to accept correction without becoming defensive. Sometimes it shows up as always making excuses, shifting blame, or quietly finding fault with others. It can even be more subtle—like being overly concerned about what others think or believing we can handle things on our own without depending on God.
I don’t like to see myself as prideful, but if I’m honest, I can find myself in some of those patterns. And I suspect I’m not alone.
Humility, on the other hand, looks different. It shows up in how we listen more than we speak. It’s reflected in how we value others and treat people with respect, regardless of their role or position. Humility allows us to own our mistakes without defensiveness and shift our focus toward solutions. It keeps us grounded in gratitude, both to God and to the people around us. And it keeps us growing, willing to seek feedback and learn along the way.
Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
If you pursue humility, you are in very good company.
Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3).
In fact, God selected Moses to do great things, in part because of his humility.
Vulnerability
I believe that the willingness to be vulnerable is part of humility. However, I think it’s important enough to call out as a separate value. Human nature often causes us to resist vulnerability. We would rather hide our weaknesses or pretend they aren’t there to avoid being rejected or judged by others.
Dr. Brené Brown has conducted extensive research on human connection, and her work shows that vulnerability lies at its center. In simpler terms, vulnerability is the willingness to let others see that you are not perfect—that you make mistakes and don’t have all the answers.
Christ’s vulnerability changed everything. He understands our weaknesses because He experienced temptation, suffering, and hardship while living as a human. Yet He overcame them for us on the cross. Because of this, we have a Savior who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).
Because Christ understands our struggles, we can acknowledge and confront our weaknesses. Vulnerability does not define us or break us. Instead, through Christ, it becomes a place where God’s strength can work in our lives.
Vulnerability at work often shows up in small, everyday moments. It begins with being willing to admit what you don’t know and asking for help when you need it. It means taking responsibility when things go wrong instead of looking for someone or something to blame, trusting that God’s grace covers our mistakes.
It also requires accepting imperfection—both in yourself and in others—and remembering that none of us is finished yet. God is still working in each of us, shaping and growing us over time. You don’t have to share everything all at once. Start small, with someone you trust. As you become more comfortable, vulnerability becomes more natural.
Part of vulnerability is having honest conversations, even when they’re difficult. These conversations require courage and prayer, but they are often where the greatest growth happens. And at its core, vulnerability is about being authentic.
When you show up as your true self (the person God created you to be), you give others permission to do the same.
Scripture reminds us that God’s strength often shows up most clearly in our weakness:
But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
Strong Work Ethic
Do you have coworkers who seem to work hard to avoid work? Spend their time on personal matters? Approach their responsibilities with little effort or care? These individuals aren’t demonstrating a strong work ethic.
You know people with a strong work ethic when you see them. They show up, follow through, and don’t make you chase them down to get things done.
The Bible clearly speaks about the importance of work ethic as a way of honoring God. We are encouraged to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” (Ephesians 6:7–8).
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who demonstrate diligence and perseverance in their work. Noah built the ark despite years of effort and uncertainty. Ruth worked tirelessly to provide for herself and Naomi. Joseph remained faithful and diligent even in difficult circumstances, eventually rising to a position of leadership. The disciples continued Christ’s work, even through hardship and persecution.
In contrast, Scripture warns about the dangers of laziness. Proverbs often describes the “sluggard” as someone who loves comfort, makes excuses, and avoids responsibility.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man (Proverbs 6:9–11).
But what if you don’t like your job? It is still important to demonstrate a strong work ethic and do your best. At the same time, it is reasonable to consider your options. Could you pursue another position within your current organization? Should you look for a new job or return to school? While you explore these possibilities, continue to give your best effort. Doing so will always serve you well—even if it simply provides a strong reference for future opportunities.
Here’s an important point about work ethic you may not have considered. One of the most valuable things a parent can do for their children’s future is to model a strong work ethic.
Many people who struggle with work ethic simply never had a positive example to follow.
When we work diligently and with the right attitude, we not only honor God—we also set an example for those around us.
Compassion
People are struggling with many things in their lives, including anxiety, illness, loss, divorce, challenges with children, and caring for aging parents. These struggles do not stop at the workplace. So, there are many opportunities for us to show compassion and encourage the people around us.
Compassion isn’t just feeling bad for someone. It’s noticing, caring, and actually doing something about it.
People often confuse empathy and compassion. Empathy is putting yourself in another person’s shoes and understanding their perspective without judgment. It is often the gateway to compassion, which is essentially empathy in action.
As usual, Jesus provides the ultimate example. During His three-year ministry, He had an incredibly demanding schedule, yet He consistently made time to show kindness and compassion to those around Him. He demonstrated that we should not walk away from people who are suffering but instead walk alongside them.
One of the clearest examples of compassion in Scripture is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–35). In this story, a man is attacked by robbers and left injured on the road. Several people pass by without helping him, but a Samaritan stops to tend to his wounds and ensures he receives ongoing care. The Samaritan acknowledged the man’s suffering and then took action to help him.
Compassion at work often shows up in simple, everyday ways. It starts with paying attention when a colleague seems stressed or is going through a difficult time, and letting them know you’re there for them. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is listen without judgment, giving someone the space to be heard.
It also means noticing the subtle signs that someone may be struggling—changes in their tone, body language, or even their work patterns—and taking a moment to check in privately. A quiet “How are you doing?” can go a long way.
Compassion doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be expressed through small gestures such as keeping your door open, inviting someone to lunch, or simply taking time to connect. Encouraging others and recognizing their efforts is another powerful way to show care.
At its core, compassion reflects how we are called to treat others—with kindness, patience, and genuine concern. When we choose to see and care for people in this way, we bring a little more of that into our everyday work.
Compassion is important not only for individuals but also for organizations. In the book Awakening Compassion at Work, Monica Worline and Jane Dutton explain that organizations perform better when they pay attention to employees' emotional needs. Yet many employees report that their employers remain silent or uncaring when they face difficult situations.
In 2021, I had an especially difficult year. I lost a very close family member to suicide and had to navigate the grief and practical realities that come with such a devastating loss. Around the same time, I broke my foot. And like everyone else, I was trying to manage the uncertainty and disruption brought on by COVID.
During that season, I needed empathy and support from my workplace more than ever. Unfortunately, I received very little. While others were allowed to work remotely, I was questioned about doing the same, even though I had a broken foot and could not drive.
At the same time, I received very little guidance for my role because it was a new position in the organization. In a rare one-on-one meeting, the CEO said she felt I was “going in my own direction,” yet when I asked for clarification on expectations, I received the response, “I don’t know what I want you to do.”
That experience was incredibly frustrating and disheartening. Eventually, I realized it was time to move on. In fact, those circumstances were one of the catalysts that led me to start my own business.
A lack of compassion in the workplace can lead to increased absenteeism, illness, low morale, and reduced productivity, ultimately affecting the organization’s success.
Scripture reminds us that compassion is a core characteristic of the Christian life:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).
When we choose compassion, we reflect the heart of Christ in the way we treat others.
Conclusion
What you say you value doesn’t matter nearly as much as how you act at work.
Every interaction (how you respond to conflict, how you treat people, how you handle pressure) reveals what truly matters to you. And over time, those choices shape your reputation and your influence.
This is where it gets hard. But it’s also where your faith becomes visible.
Reflection and Discussion Questions
Which of the values discussed in this comes most naturally to you? Which is most challenging?
Think about a recent workplace situation. Did your response reflect the values you want to live by? Why or why not?
How do your daily actions at work reflect your faith and personal values?
What is one practical way you can demonstrate one of these values more intentionally this week?
What changes could you make to bring your faith into your daily work more intentionally?
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