The urge to conform

There is a common saying that goes like this: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” More often than not, the workplace  is made up mostly of a non-Christian workforce with Christians comprising the minority. Given such a situation, it is not unusual for one to be exposed to some unethical and sinful practices at the workplace. Very often, the Christian worker may be drawn to his colleagues’ habits and lifestyles that run contrary to personal convictions as well as biblical principles and standards.

Among the common unethical practices are the following:

a) Lying – giving out misleading and false information, as in the case of one who takes sick leave when he is not sick, falsification of office records, etc.

b) Cheating – like the practice of having somebody clock in and out (on

your behalf) at the office daily time recorder when you are actually late in reporting or have not reported at all.

c) Stealing – it comes in many forms, ranging from the more obvious

act of taking away company resources (including money) to the subtle practice of using your working hours in doing personal matters (and getting paid for it!).

d) Corruption – engaging in under the table (illegal) transactions for personal monetary gain.

e) Bribery – the act of giving or receiving gifts (often expensive ones) for a “favour” or a “service” rendered.

While Christians are supposed to uphold the principles of the Bible and bear a good witness to others, it is sad to see that many would rather conform to the “norms” and go with the flow.

We often hear this line: “Since everybody’s doing it, then it must be alright; I might

as well do it too!” Enticed by the profit and benefits that come along, and the comfort of not being marginalized and marked out as “different”, many a Christian has succumbed to the urge to conform to unbiblical practices at his workplace.

However, the Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:17-24, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

As Christians, much is expected of us! We have a high standard that is patterned after God’s holiness and righteousness that should be manifested in our conduct. In the words of the Apostle Paul, we read, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

Realize then, that giving in to the urge to conform is tantamount to lowering our standards, if not letting down our guard, making us vulnerable to even more temptations.