When at work who’s in charge, God or man

Dear Chaplain: I work in the healthcare field and some our patients have serious health issues. Some people know I’m a Christian and have asked me to pray for them, and I have privately; but my boss does not want me praying in the office at all. Is it better for me to do what I believe God wants me to do, or what my boss wants me to do. — Signed, Obey or Pray

Dear Obey or Pray: Thanks so much for your question. In your line of work, I imagine you see people in need on a daily basis, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I’m sure you’re inclined to help because as Christians we’re taught to give. And most likely, if the Lord is in your heart, you want to “give to the one who asks, and you do not want to turn away from the one who wants to borrow,” as Matthew 5:42 instructs. Not only does Jesus teach us to give, but we follow his example in giving...and we know that Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life for us (1 John 3:16). However, your boss may not hold to your Christian beliefs or like many people in the world today, he or she may not want to see any form of religious practice displayed in public, let alone in the workplace. This is difficult for people of faith because we can not separate our faith from who we are and how we relate to others. But no matter how hard it is to comply with what your boss is asking of you, I would suggest you stop praying with the patients at work...but by no means stop praying altogether, because no one can totally stop prayer.

Your boss can stop you from praying with patients, but he can not stop you from praying for patients. If a patient or person asks for prayer, in that moment, you can stop and silently pray for them, within yourself. If you see a person in need, and you know they’re of the same faith, you can whisper, “God bless you.” If something good happens while at work, you can say “Praise God” or “Hallelujah.” If you need strength during the day, you can quietly say, “Lord, help me.” And surely, no matter where you are you can always pray over your food or drink. Your boss can not stop you from reading your Bible, worshipping, or praying on your breaks or while at lunch. No one can ever totally stop prayer because the Lord tells us in the Bible, to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17), which means it’s not only possible to do, but it is an expectation.

So to answer your question, is it better to do what God wants you to do, or what your boss wants you to do? At all times, in every situation, as Peter said in Acts 5:29, “we must obey God rather than man.” But in doing so, we must also remember to be “wise as serpents and gentle as doves,” (Matt 10:16). Be blessed.