Christian Integrity at Work: What Your Coworkers See Before You Say a Word

By Brad St. Clair, Evangelism Coach

You're in the break room. A coworker asks how your weekend was and what you did. You say, "Good. Nothing much."

But one of the things you did was go to church. Not only that, but you also prayed for that coworker by name. And yet you said to them, "Nothing much."

If that's you, relax. You're in good company. I've done the same thing. Most believers want to be a witness at work. They just don't want to make things weird.

You probably already know this. If your coworker knows you're a believer, they are already watching you. 

• They see if you show up on time. 
• They see if you tell the truth even when it costs you. 
• They see how you talk about the boss when the boss isn't around. (No pressure, huh? 😉)

That is part of your witness. It's not your entire witness (I'll get to that). This is a real part of living for Jesus at work. And it's something you can start this week.

When My Jokes Turned Negative

I'm guessing I'm a lot like you. I get upset. I'm not always in a good mood. My boss makes decisions I'm not happy with. I have bad days. Let me tell you about one of mine.

My company was going through big changes. New managers came in. Our workflow changed.

We had new software and new ways of doing everything. It was a stressful time for all of us. Some of us worried about job security.

Normally, I stay positive because of Jesus and the peace He gives. This time, I didn't. I missed the way things used to be. I started thinking about myself, and I got negative.

Here's the thing about being a positive person. When I'm upbeat, I lift people up. When I'm negative, I bring them down too. And that's what I did.

I had always joked around to keep spirits up. Now my jokes made fun of how things were going. Sometimes I was sarcastic about updates. Sometimes I piled on when others complained.

It gave us a quick laugh and a false sense of relief. Mostly, it created more negativity. It happened in chats, in meetings, and in one-on-one talks.

Then I heard myself say something I would never have said before. The Holy Spirit made it clear to me what I was doing. I knew it was wrong.

So I apologized to my coworkers. I was embarrassed that I had acted this way. I told them this situation isn't fun, but we can move forward together and make the best of it.

They were gracious. They told me it was normal to feel that way. But they knew I owned it and would try to be upbeat again.

Let Your Light Shine at Work: What the Bible Says

These six Bible verses about integrity aren't all about work. They're about how we live, and that includes work.

Matthew 5:16: Let Your Good Deeds Shine

"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." — Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

Jesus said this in the Sermon on the Mount. Notice who gets the praise. It's not us. People see our lives and good works, and they think of God.

Colossians 3:23: Work for the Lord, Not Just the Boss

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." — Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

Our real boss is bigger than the one with the corner office. That changes how we handle even the task nobody will ever check — because we are working for the Lord.

1 Peter 2:12: Honorable Living Speaks for You

"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." — 1 Peter 2:12 (NLT)

Peter wrote to believers living among neighbors who didn't share their faith and sometimes accused them of doing wrong.

His point was to keep living honorably. People can see your good life, even the ones who once spoke against you, and give honor to God.

Titus 2:7: Let Your Life Match Your Words

"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." — Titus 2:7 (NLT)

Paul wrote this to Titus, a church leader. He told Titus to be an example by doing good. His life had to match his teaching. The same goes for us. What we do should back up what we say.

Titus 2:9-10: Make the Message Attractive

"Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way." — Titus 2:9-10 (NLT)

Paul also told Titus to teach this to slaves in the ancient world. Paul isn't saying slavery is good. He's talking to people stuck in a hard situation. He shows them how to honor God anyway.

Their world looked nothing like a modern job. But the core point is the same.

When we do our best and stay honest and trustworthy, we make the message about God attractive. People around us are watching.

Proverbs 12:17: An Honest Witness Tells the Truth

"An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies." — Proverbs 12:17 (NLT)

This verse pictures a witness giving testimony in court. But it applies to more than courtrooms.

God cares about truth-telling. Our coworkers should be able to trust what we say.

We also call ourselves witnesses for Christ. That word means something.

If our words can't be trusted at work, why would anyone trust what we say about Him?

What Christian Integrity at Work Looks Like on a Normal Monday

Integrity sounds like something for heroes. It's usually small. It's what you do when nobody is checking.

Here are four ways it shows up, and they match the four groups of quotes below:

None of that requires a Bible verse on your desk. (Though if you have one, great.)

Good Work Opens Doors. Words Walk Through Them.

It's tempting to stop here and say: "My life is enough of a witness." Meaning my coworkers can just watch how I live. I don't need to actually talk to them about Jesus or spiritual things.

Sometimes that's true for a season. Sometimes fear is making the decision for you. I know I feel that way at times.

Here's the plain truth. Nobody has ever been saved by watching a coworker be on time.

People are saved when they hear the Gospel: that we've all sinned, that God is holy and will judge sin, and that Jesus paid the price so we can be forgiven.

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" — Romans 10:14 (NLT)

You're not trying to win an argument at work. You're looking for a natural opening and taking one honest step.

If that makes your stomach tie up in knots, just know that's normal. Being nervous doesn't disqualify you.

It just means you need to take baby steps to work your way up to sharing the Gospel. 

Want help easing into this? Get one true story and one simple step, twice a month.

Why I'm Sharing Quotes From My Coworkers

Here are real examples of Christian integrity at work, from the viewpoint of coworkers.

These quotes come from people I've worked with for years in the business world, mostly in the training industry.

Yes, it's a little awkward to post my own reviews. I'm doing it to show we can live for Christ at work and people will notice.

As you read, look for the small things: Showing up, telling the truth, staying positive, and caring about people. Nothing flashy. All of it is something you can do this week.

None of these quotes mention Jesus. That's the point. Their words describe what it's like to work with someone who is trying to live for Him, without anyone preaching a sermon.

Want to hear from people who went through my evangelism training? Read what they said in my ministry testimonials.

What Coworkers Noticed

Here's what they noticed, in four groups: Honesty, dependability, positive attitude, and kindness.

Honesty and Integrity: "You Know Exactly Where You Stand"

Integrity means doing what is right and being honest, even when it costs you something. The honesty part is the Proverbs 12:17 kind. Here's what people noticed.

"He has always been honest- (even if you didn't appreciate the answer) but at the same time I believe it to be a noble quality because you know exactly where you stand."
— Zachary Baker

"People come first to Brad and he always communicates in an honest and respectful manner, even while under strict deadlines and pressure from other departments."
— Kelsey Bratton

"Brad St. Clair is a team player… and the members of his team are 'tact,' 'diplomacy,' 'empathy,' and 'integrity'."
— Philip Wiest

"He is someone I can always count on, and I trust him to do the job correctly and with integrity."
— Serina Heikes

"His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and solid moral compass create a team culture that raises any department and organization to the next level."
— Kortney Clark Lovetinsky

"He has a wealth of knowledge and professionalism, but he is also personable, honest, conscientious..."
— Colleen Seward Ryan

"Brad has my vote of confidence because he is credible, dependable, and empathetic!"
— Michele K. Synegal

"I am consistently impressed with Brad’s ability to approach difficult clients and colleagues with courtesy and professionalism."
— Lauren Dreher

Dependable and Hard Working: "He Delivers"

Colossians 3:23 says to work as though you're working for the Lord. That kind of sounds like something pastors do. But it's for all of us.

On a normal day, it looks like showing up and doing what you said you'd do. Here's how coworkers described it.

"He was NEVER late, and I honestly can't remember a time when he didn't show up for work when he was scheduled."
— Zachary Baker

"During my 22 years speaking and training... Brad is easily the most competent and dependable scheduler I've had the pleasure of working with."
— Ray Santerini

"He is always great at follow-through and his ability to pay attention to details is very comforting and causes one to trust that once he is involved... it is a done deal. He delivers."
— Steve Zahner

"Brad is dedicated can always be relied upon to allow nothing to slip through the cracks..."
— Ted Janusz

"Brad is a hard worker who goes above and beyond for both peers and vendors."
— Krisla Peterman

"Regardless of deadlines or other pressure, Brad always delivers. His superior organizational skills make him the consummate multi-tasker."
— Rebecca Gann

"He is one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve worked with. Brad goes above and beyond to ensure each client and internal interaction is handled with care and professionalism."
— Katherine Potter

Positive Attitude: "It's Impossible Not to Smile"

A good attitude isn't pretending everything is great. (Nobody needs more of that.) It's choosing to lift people up, especially when work gets stressful.

Here's what that looked like to the people around me.

"Brad's one of the most positive people I've ever had the pleasure to work with. It's impossible not to smile when an email comes through. It's like you can actually read a smile in his text."
— Marianne C.

"Even through a pandemic, Brad’s positivity didn't fade. When checking in on virtual training... I knew my day would always be a good one."
— Marianne C.

"One of Brad’s standout qualities is his positive energy. He consistently goes above and beyond to support the team..."
— Jennifer Schnackenberg

"As a scheduler for trainers, he is a consummate professional. He is always positive and uplifting."
— Tom Fragale

"He still posts very positive content on LinkedIn and I always get inspiration from his posts."
— Tom Fragale

"You rarely see Brad without a smile on his face."
— Krisla Peterman

"...He does it all with a positive attitude that uplifts the entire team."
— Katherine Potter

"Brad is consistently pleasant and takes on all assignments with enthusiasm and dedication. I wish all my co-workers had his dynamic attitude."
— Rebecca Gann

"His attitude and sense of humor has been so helpful during stressful times. I value his input and his positivity."
— Serina Heikes

"Brad always brings a positive and caring attitude to the job and to life... I can honestly say that he's a good friend, and an inspiration to me."
— Ray Santerini

"Brad is the most positive person I know he is always very professional and proactive in getting his job done and done right."
— David Mickenberg

Kindness and Care: "Treated Me With Kindness and Respect"

People may forget the daily work, but they remember how you treated them. These coworkers noticed the small things.

"No matter what is going on in his world or how busy he is he always makes you feel you are his only priority."
— Steve Zahner

"Brad is humble, accommodating, personable, intuitive and I am proud to work with him and call him my friend."
— Steve Zahner

"Brad offers advice and has the unique ability to deliver constructive criticism in a way that makes you aware, but not discouraged."
— Kelsey Bratton

"Brad is simply great to work with — approachable, dependable, kind, and genuinely passionate about his work."
— Jennifer Schnackenberg

"He's a good guy, patient, an outstanding teammate, and an asset to our organization."
— Charlene Burroughs

"Brad's magnetic personality is so pleasing: he always makes whomever he is dealing with feel so comfortable they are immediately drawn to him... and is an inspiration to everyone he interacts with."
— Ted Janusz

"He is equally adept at actively listening and being empathetic to others, especially during difficult times and situations."
— James Aquinas Westrick, Corporate Trainer (in memory)

"He always greeted me and treated me with kindness and respect. His leadership skills are outstanding, his ability to communicate to others and interact professionally is superior."
— David Mickenberg

"He will pick up extra tasks if colleagues seem overwhelmed. He will reach out with an encouraging word for teammates (and his boss,) which helps everyone perform at our best."
— Kortney Clark Lovetinsky

Main Takeaway: Trust Opens the Door

Your Challenge This Week: One Coworker, One Prayer, One Small Step

You don't have to preach in the break room. (That would make a good story, though.) Start smaller than that.

1. Pick one coworker. 
2. Pray for them by name this week. 
3. Then do one honest, dependable, positive, or kind thing for them on purpose.

That's it. You're not trying to be bold yet. You're building the kind of trust that makes a conversation about Jesus easier to start and easier to hear.

Get Help With the Words

Living it out is half the job. The other half is knowing what to say when the door opens.

If you want help with that, get The YouEvangelized Report. It's two emails a month. Simple, no pressure, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Common Questions About Being a Witness at Work

Brad St. Clair is an evangelist and evangelism coach, and the founder of YouEvangelized — formerly Repent and Turn Ministries — with 22 years of hands-on ministry experience. He's an independent ordained minister with an Associate of Ministry Degree and a Diploma of Biblical Studies. Brad has trained hundreds of believers, led public-outreach sessions, and open-air preached to crowds. His ministry is documented at YouEvangelized. When he's not training others, Brad often turns motorcycle rides into opportunities for prayer and gospel conversations.