how can I make my work situation OK

[jgalantine]

Hi, I just found this site and I am really excited to be connected to so many Christians. My question is, I just recently re-dedicated my life again, I work at a car dealership as a salesman and there are literally no other believers at my work, and to make it worse my manager is a Christian basher. For the past three years I have done pretty much all the bad things I could at work with the rest of the guys. I'm just worried how I will be able to handle the changes all at once, going from drinking, smoking pot, cigarettes to nothing. Any advice would help a lot. Thanks

[suzybeezy]

I had to deal with a similiar situation many years back when I worked at a trucking company. I was honest with the people I worked with and told them that I was trying work on myself and trying to focus more on my faith. I let them know that I would appreciate they respect my decision. It was really hard at times I will admit. One time, I had tickets to go see George Carlin and someone at worked called me on it, after I made such a declaration, and I seen where I would have been a hypocrite to still go, so I didn't. In a way it was a good thing that the folks at work knew, cause they held me accountable.

Hope that helps some and welcome to the site!

[Criada]

Welcome to CF!
And, more importantly, welcome home :hug:

I think it's most important to remember that God won't ask you to do anything in your own strength... where there needs to be change, He will make a way for you to do that. You may be surprised at how your workmates react... many people do respect others' beliefs when they clearly make a difference.

Praying for you, brother.

[Shicoco]

Welcome to CF!

What Suzybeezy said is good advice, however, it might not be the easiest.

The first step is to stop caring what people thing about you. God is going to judge you, and so are your coworkers. Whose judgment to value more? This is hard too, I know...but just tell yourself at work, that God is going to be the one judging you, so try to please him.

[morningstar2651]

Hi, I just found this site and I am really excited to be connected to so many Christians. My question is, I just recently re-dedicated my life again, I work at a car dealership as a salesman and there are literally no other believers at my work, and to make it worse my manager is a Christian basher. For the past three years I have done pretty much all the bad things I could at work with the rest of the guys. I'm just worried how I will be able to handle the changes all at once, going from drinking, smoking pot, cigarettes to nothing. Any advice would help a lot. ThanksI'm going to go with suzybeezy on this - you should be honest with them. Assuming you've worked with these guys for a few years, they'll probably be understanding.

If they aren't understanding, you may be in for a rough time and may even want to start searching for another dealership to work at, but if they're going to knowingly make you that uncomfortable at work, then they probably aren't the best co-workers.

A Christian basher rarely has courage to speak his mind in front of someone he knows will be offended. The guys at work will, in the worst case scenario, tease you...but without malice.

[LilLamb219]

I agree with the others...be honest, but PLEASE don't be arrogant about it as I've known some new Christians to become. They put on a better than thou attitude that doesn't need to be there. No one is a Christian because of anything he/she has done...it's all the work of our triune God :) Stay humble!

[paperneck]

the most important thing is to be honest, present things from your perspective and avoid making your coworkers feel like you are accusing or attacking them.


as far as your life changes go i would recomend that if you want to stop drinking smoking and doing drugs you should do it in two steps. First stop the drinking and drugs, then when you adjust to that quit smoking.

[jgalantine]

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate all the advice. It makes me not care what they think of me knowing what God has in store for us. BTW is it just me or is being on fire for god a completely different kind of feeling, A different kind of peace.

[timmynkaelynsmama]

My cousins fiance was in this same situationa few months ago. He loves the Lord very much, and he is a very quiet, shy person. Well all the guys he worked with, cussed, drank, looked at pornographic material at work, and when they tried to make him look at it one day he wouldnt, and he told them why, and they all made fun of him, even his boss! Well things were bad at the company and they were doing layoffs and of course since his boss made fun of him so bad, and didnt like him, he fired my friend first. But Since he stood his ground and showed his faith God ended up blessing him with a great job now, that he loves, and has already gotten a promotion in the short time that hes been there. So I guess that does to show you that as long as you show your love for God, he'll show his love for you.