‘The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.’

(Proverbs 11:3).

Ethical dilemmas often test our faith. Are we willing to uphold God’s standards, even when it’s inconvenient – or costly?

One of the ways that our modern working culture can test our faith as Christians is the new norm of working from home.

As our world has changed and more and more people are taking on roles or having their existing roles adapted so that they can work some or all of their days from home, I wonder how much work is actually getting done?

With the reality of not being watched or being visually accountable to our superiors in the workplace, are we choosing to dial down our output and have an extra coffee break – or 3?!

We are encouraged in Proverbs 11v3 to be people of integrity and to allow our integrity to guide us. What does your sense of integrity tell you about how you should navigate working when you are at home?

I realise that this is only one example of a moral conundrum in the workplace, but I believe it to be an important one as it affects many of us in this day and age.

The world would tell us to chill out and stop taking our work so seriously. “If you want to take 20 minutes off and have an extra coffee break – go for it! Who is watching you?!”

This is where living out our faith at work really kicks in.

The Bible tells us:

‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’

(Colossians 3:23 NIVUK)

This means that, whether your earthly master/boss/line manager is watching you or not, work hard. Work as if you are working for God Himself as He is always able to see what you are doing and, more importantly the motivation and posture of your heart.

When you feel tempted to take a shortcut or blur the moral lines of your faith in the workplace, take some time out and ask for wisdom and courage to make ethical decisions. Especially when you find yourself facing pressure or opposition. Pray for God to guide you in truth and integrity and so allow your faith to shine before others.

Why not examine one area of your work where you might be tempted to compromise your values. Commit to choosing integrity and take a tangible step to uphold biblical principles.