Loud and Clear

I was in a situation several weeks ago where I disagreed with a peer of mine about something, but I was not prepared to discuss it at that point (I had not finished looking into it).   Yet my peer decided he was ready to discuss it immediately and continued to bring it up, became more agitated as he spoke, raised his voice, and started to attack me personally  (it’s hard not to take someone raising their voice at you as personal!).

All the time this was going on, two of our co-workers were in the room with us and were witnessing this situation as it continued to unfold.  Fortunately, I was able to remain calm during the whole conversation.  I pointed out that we both currently disagreed with each other and that raising his voice at me felt like a personal attack (I know this person well enough to know it wasn’t personal).  It soon became evident that he shouldn’t have acted this way, he eventually calmed down, apologized for his actions and we came to a resolution that we should talk about this again at a later time when I have had more time to finish looking into it and he is prepared more to listen.

“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.” (Ecc 5:2)

What we don’t realize is that we are constantly being watched.  Our actions speak louder than words.  As a Real Christian Businessman we are looked at in a different light!  Everyone is watching how we act, whether we work in a secular or non-secular industry. I definitely don’t get it right many times but in this situation I did.   After he left the room one of the co-workers who witnessed the situation even looked at me and commented on how well I had handled it all.  My intent was not to gain his approval but it made me realize I was being watched and didn’t even realize it.

I am encouraging you today to think about how you will act when this situation comes up for you (and believe me it will).  Don’t fall into the trap of being like the other person.  Others are watching whether you realize it or not, and you can (and must) navigate the situation in the way that is most honoring to your co-worker… and to God.