But…we can’t be lightweights. 

Everything I wrote in my last post is true (read it here: Business Eats Mission).  But you need to meet Zahra.

On the Moroccan couch, I heard my sister Zahra’s story (not her real name). 

Though her country is ruled by a death-ridden imam, her heart was enlivened by the good news of Jesus.  When praying in secret with other Christians, Zahra felt compelled to travel to a town known for its violence.

Others encouraged her to stay—she’s a single woman considered less valuable than livestock to the men of her country.  But she risked her life to proclaim the gospel. 

Zahra wasn’t just a good neighbor. 

She wasn’t just a gospel presence. 

She outed herself as a Christian, hoping that others would be freed. 

Sitting on the couch, I mumbled, “Lightweights.”  

That’s the only word that came to mind when I considered American Christians.

The devastating beauty of America is that millions of people can be safe and happy.  We can prosper.  We all can enjoy the common grace that God has lavished on us for this season. 

But Christians can easily go to church on Sunday, spiritually bow before the God of the universe, and then find it impolite to consider that our coworkers are destined for destruction.  Without Jesus, our coworkers suffer the same eternal fate as Zahra’s neighbors—Americans just seem more prosperous on their way.

At our jobs, you—and me—must speak of Jesus.  Now, always, often.

Take Daniel.  He was great at what he did.  A visionary who outperformed his peers.  

One day, his boss (the king) has a problem: plagued by cryptic dreams, the king can’t sleep. He demands an answer, and he puts stakes on it: “you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins” if you don’t interpret my dream.

Daniel does his job beautifully.  And he could simply state the interpretation and keep his faithful presence, reflecting the glory of God while exiled in Babylon. 

But he does more. 

Daniel unnecessarily raises the stakes on the king—risking his career and his life—to give the king more:

There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries . . . Daniel 2:28

You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom . . . Daniel 2:37

A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this . . . Daniel 2:45

Yes, we create beautiful companies.  We design God-honoring systems.  We treat people fairly.  We write compelling screenplays.  We build amazing houses.  We do all of those things, but we must also recognize the call to proclaim the gospel.  With words.

We must also speak of Jesus to our coworkers.  How can they hear about him unless someone tells them?  (Romans 10:14)

It’s been almost 35 days since I left North Africa.  I have yet to share my faith.  I had the chance.  I got close.  There is plenty of grace.  

God protect Zahra and teach me not to be a lightweight.