By Rogério Alves
The corporate world is a true jungle; the law of the strongest becomes evident in remarkable ways, with people pressuring others to win and be successful in the eyes of men. Professor Leon C. Megginson uses this metaphor in his academic studies to illustrate the corporate environment, citing: “It is not the strongest that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Renato Grinberg also compares the corporate world to a jungle, stating that like a tiger, one must use claws, strength, and intelligence to survive and thrive.
In light of this, what happens when one gives their life to Jesus Christ? God’s Word reveals profound changes: “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17); “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), and “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
But does corporate life remain the same after conversion? Everything depends on how we shape our character. It is true that transformation does not happen overnight – it is a process. Yet we are reminded that “the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). If our heart is set on change, God will walk with us through it.
The Lord never abandons His children and is always ready to help: “…I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10) and to work through our weaknesses: “…My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) – all with the purpose of maturing us until we reach “the full measure of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).
It is not easy, but earthly life is a remarkable experience. To live each day seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness must be the goal that guides every believer (Matthew 6:33). In principle, the true Christian should not fear the challenges of the world when it comes to displaying a renewed character across every sphere of society.
I once shared with a Christian criminal lawyer that, after my conversion, I could no longer defend people who had committed crimes since lies are so often the means of defense. His reply was: “Work is work.” He explained he separates his personal life from his professional life and feels at peace with that. But should we to set aside Christian character in professional life?
Another defining moment came when I was drafting a petition and my superior demanded that I include a false statement to support our claim. I refused, saying I would not sign a document built on lies. From that day on, I resolved to eliminate falsehood from my work as a lawyer, and God has never failed to provide for my needs. Following Christ requires courage, wisdom, and discernment of the right time for decisions.
Would God be pleased if we hide our Christian character at work, knowing that He is the one who sustains us? “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side” (Psalm 3:5-6).
The Kingdom of God is the ultimate goal. Nothing in this earthly life should become a barrier to what God expects from His children. Christian character is not like clothing, to be put on and taken off according to convenience. Christ must dwell in the heart of His followers at all times: “…but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).
Rogério Alves is an attorney in São Paulo, Brazil. He graduated from Centro Universitário Nove de Julho and specialist in Public Law from Escola Paulista de Direito. He is a partner attorney at Buratto Sociedade de Advogados and Shilinkert Sociedade de Advogados. Rogério also serves as a speaker at the Department of Culture and Events of the Brazilian Bar Association – São Paulo Section (OAB/SP), contributes to several legal publications, and is the administrator of the blog Discussões por rogerioalvesadvblog. In addition, he is an Associate Pastor at Igreja Adoração em Ação and a member of CBMC Brazil.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- Do you agree with the statement that to succeed in the marketplace, one must be like a tiger, using claws, strength and intelligence to survive? Why or why not?
- How do you think being “a new creation in Christ” should affect how we approach our work and conduct ourselves in the workplace? Should it affect how we do things at all? Explain your answer.
- Have you ever had a time when you had to take a stand at work based on your faith and biblical beliefs? If so, what was the result?
- What do you think it means to “seek first the Kingdom of God” in the workplace? What would this look like in a practical sense?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 37:4-5; Proverbs 2:6, 3:5-6; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Philippians 4:19
Challenge for This Week
Someone has said that being a follower of Jesus Christ is not a part-time activity, but a lifestyle that is 24 hours a day, seven days a week. How does your life align with this statement?
Over the next week, reflect on the insights from this Monday Manna about resolving to live out our faith in the workplace regardless of the consequences. You might want to talk about this with a trusted friend, mentor or small group and solicit their feedback.
