Dealing with negative people at work

"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15: 33-34 N.I.V)

Elisha was influenced greatly by the character of Elijah and wanted “a double portion of his Spirit". (2 Kings 2:9). But Daniel stood strong in his faith. He “ …was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king…” Daniel 1:8. Despite the persecution he did not allow himself to be defiled with the culture and religion of his employer and fellow workers.

We need to beware that the people we work with can influence our attitude and perspective on life. Some live life with reckless abandon, with no sense of the hereafter. Their motto: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” They can infect us with their gluttony, greed, immorality, corruption and selfish ambitions for which “the end justifies the means”. “ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 2 Corinthians 6:17.

We also need to beware of others who never seem to say anything positive:  always complaining and blaming others, spreading gossip, making negative comments about you, and taking credit for what others have done. If we are not careful, their negative opinions and attitudes will rub on us and sway our better judgment. They will make us angry, stressed, discouraged and drained of our energy resulting in loss of potential productivity at work and in the service of our Lord. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”. Proverbs 4:23

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"Work for a cause not for applause. Live your life to express and not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt."
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