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Working, socialising with unbelievers

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Nancy:
Hi there all,

I am thinking a lot lately about this subject.
At the moment, i have a job which i love doing, a waitress in between cleaning and washing up, a jack of all trades. I look forward to going to work in the mornings. But something spoils my enjoyment totally. After listening to what a person said of their experience in which they quit their job as they felt bogged down by (i assume the language, conduct, whatever) their colleagues, i feel that i shouldn't like my job because obviously i will be dragged down aswell!  There is a lot of swearing, but there is swearing everywhere these days, it's par for the course.  And then this same person is saying that it is better to join a social club than to go to church teaching ET.  I am a very impressionable person and feel that i must have no opinions of my own as they CAN'T be right before God.
Then i get bogged down with the whole spiritual thing and think i just want a simple life after a life of deep thoughts in which i thought i was losing my sanity. 
What is so terrible about mixing with ALL kinds of people and enjoying their company? Does every conversation have to be SPIRITUAL?
This thinking doesn't do anything for my sanity and happiness!
Any thoughts?
Godbless
Nancy

fe32k:
Hi Nancy,
I am the least qualified person to reply to this, but I definitely know where you are coming from. If I have learned one thing from bible-truths, it is this: Nothing physical can make you more spiritual. Apply this to your life and everything will make sense. You obviously have to work with unbelievers as I am certain Paul did not make tents to and with believers only. Take this verse for example:

2Co 6:14 
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

The two keywords here are fellowship and communion.

fellowship in Greek is:

metochē
met-okh-ay'
From G3348; participation, that is, intercourse: - fellowship.

And communion is:

koinōnia
koy-nohn-ee'-ah
From G2844; partnership, that is, (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction: - (to) communicate (-ation), communion, (contri-), distribution, fellowship.

So you see, as long as we do not participate or partner with unbelievers. Remember, we are in the world, but we are not of the world. Our citizenship is in heaven, much higher than this carnal world that is ruled by the carnal mind of each and everyone of us. Continue to be happy with where you work because believe me you now account for a very small percentage of the worlds population. Not too many people look forward to their jobs. I hope this is helpful.

GBWY,
Roy

jER:
 "It is not what goes in that defiles; rather, what comes out."

Therefore, be not like minded with them (i.e. whose language, conduct, etc, is unbecoming to say the least).

Just a short thought on the subject; as an electrician, and from experience in working with ill mannered construction workers.
Many apologize, after they get to know you for their conduct and language. Although, enjoying their company is a matter of taste,
and personally - "I don’t drink from their fountain, nor eat the same bread."

"Mixed drinks can be hazardous to you health."

-jER

Matt:
Hi Nancy,
  This is one topic I DO have extensive knowledge in.  Being a Marine, I had a very hard time dealing with this once I became a Christian.  It has taken some time, but I have been able to re establish myself from a weak follower of the world into a strong and credible person who no longer participates in crudeness (boy, was I good at it).  I am not only able to be around it with out it bothering me, but I no longer tolerate any of the REALLY bad stuff that goes on sometimes, even from my boss'.  I still get 'whispered" about, but it does not bother me anymore.   
  I guess what I am trying to say is "19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:19"

It may take a little time, but if you are strong and consistent in your beliefs, people will see it!  Most people will understand and avoid being crude around you.  There will always be some who don't care or understand, but you will be surprised, good people will speak out and come to your defense, it happens all the time to me here.
Stay strong!
Matt

Nancy:
Hi there all,
Thanks for replying.

Roy, i simply don't get this passage! As a friend stated that doesn't sound very christian! Christ Himself mixed and socialised with 'sinners' and unbelievers, so whats' the deal?
You see i married a non-believer and most of my good friends were or are non-believers and in my experience which i cannot find it in me to deny, they have been better people than i have many a time.  One good friend has taught me about forgiveness and tolerance, (through her actions) that i haven't found among 'christians'.
What is one meant to do when meeting people! Ask them if they are believers?  And if not, shun them!

Weren't the 'unbelievers' of whom the Apostle Paul was speaking about pagan? Wasn't he talking to believers in his time who were once pagan aswell.  Just a thought, otherwise these verses don't make much sense to me, as there aren't many believers in Universalism to be friends and partners with!
Godbless
Nancy

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