I know this is common but..

[KWSS1976]

GOG you might want to give more detail perhaps

[n david]

Originally Posted by giftofgrace

I feel like such an alien at work. The other places I've worked at were alot worse than the one I'm at now though, I work with mostly older women, some younger ones. So it's not as bad as working with a group of nothing but 20-something guys. I am not sheltered by any means from the world and the things in it, it's even in my house, I am out quite a bit. I really do try and be friends with everyone as much as I can, without compromising anything, but it's very hard to get around with some of the people. I feel like I can witness to them, say hi and goodbye and talk about our lives for a while, and then that's as far as it can go before the conversation turns innapropriate or they are turned off after hearing that I am a christian. I know we cannot be friends with the world, I believe this to be meaning hanging around and fellowshipping often, because eventually it will distract your mind off of godly things sooner or later. I know this, yet it still is rough feeling like such an alien from everybody, I leave work often feeling accomplished yet lonely alot of the time. Before work every day I make sure I have prayed, and meditated on the Bible to make sure I go in with the right mindset, I know it's the wise thing to do yet the loneliness does kick in. Just wanted to vent... How do you guys deal with it?

Originally Posted by KWSS1976

Just close yourself off in a box..LOL and don't come out... if I am around someone and I don't like what they are doing or how they are talking I just leave. See thats the thing about pentecostals you guys paint the world as doom and gloom just close yourself up in a box and don't use your better judgement..God put me in this world I fell like he wants me to make the most of it.....

Originally Posted by KWSS1976

Kind of like the whole dress to be diffrent from the world thing...Other women that are not UPC wear skirts and dresses so yall are not to diffrent from the rest of the world....

Uhm ... wow

KWSS1976 - really? That's a bit harsh. I think you took a left turn somewhere and went off the road into the woods.

Anyway, I sometimes feel the same way at work ... and I don't close myself in a box or whatever else KWSS1976 said.

[giftofgrace]

Well, usually they will ask me questions about things after a while or make comments, and it ends up in me telling them I'm a christian and some people get turned off immediately and kind of leave the conversation. Or some people think its neat and ask me questions. I meant when someone starts gossiping or something I let them know I don't wanna get into that particular subject, and most people respect it, or don't talk anymore. I have people tell me that I don't act like "other christians" because I guess I actually try and befriend them and am interested in their lives. I know exactly what you mean about people who live in a box and get some kind of better-than-you-complex. I don't know how you got that from me, sorry if I somehow came off that way. I think we should be out there trying to befriend everyone we can, outside of church, show them God's love. But there is a difference. Jesus met sinners where they were at, doesn't mean he partook of the things they were doing. Understand what I mean?

[KWSS1976]

If these friends are doing something you don't agree with then GOG just don't follow them in it still be there friends just don't partake in what ever it is they are doing I got friends that go to the bar every night I do not go with them because I do not like it but I am still friends with them and they know I do not like the bar it has nothing to do with me and being a christian or UPC I just don't like it I went once and did not care for it.....

[giftofgrace]

I understand that. The conversation got a little carried away though..

[KWSS1976]

Well if it went somewhere you did not like just tell them you have to get back to work and let them continue talking..

[KWSS1976]

If you don't mind what was being discussed in this conversation

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by giftofgrace

Er, sounds like some people missed the point of my post a little and have pegged me as having a Pharisee-type spirit. Maybe I should have explained more :P

no I don't think you are a Pharisee...I have worked over the years on the mission field as a missionary but have also held public jobs...I was different...first because I am a foreigner...I dress different than some however I have always had lots of friends...Just be true to yourself...Religion turns some people off but there are other things to talk about...
I taught a group of doctors most did not even believe in God and of course none believed in Him the way I do...However we had good classes...I can joke about myself and take what people say with a smile...
Our gestures, our personal standards that we live speak worlds about us...

I guess I had a copy key for all the schools I taught in...Most did not believe like I do but they trusted me with their keys and whatever at the schools...

I have found out no one has to be like I am or look or dress like me to be their friend...Just take people as they are and build a relationship...