By C.C. Simpson
We all know atmosphere. It’s the air around us; the oxygen filling our lungs, sustaining life without us even thinking about it. We don’t often pay attention, but without it, we couldn’t last a moment.
The same is true in our work. Every office, every meeting, every conversation carries an atmosphere. Sometimes it’s heavy, sometimes it’s light, but it’s always there. And whether we realize it or not, we bring atmosphere with us into every space we enter.
Our body shifts the air. Our voice carries. Our presence fills space. There is no such thing as neutral. Whenever we step into a room, we change its atmosphere. This is true for anyone. However, it is especially true for those of us who follow Jesus. We don’t just carry our physical body into a room – we carry the Spirit of God. The air must change when we walk in.
The apostle Paul expressed it like this: “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15). We are the fragrance of heaven in a world that too often smells like hurry, fear, and pressure.
Think about your workplace: A tense meeting. A hallway conversation. The client call that could go either way, moving toward a good outcome – or not. The way you speak can oxygenate someone’s soul, or it can leave them gasping. Your presence is never background noise. It sets the tone.
This is why Paul’s words in Galatians matter: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These are not just private virtues. We could call them corporate atmospherics. They can shape the culture, the mood of the room. They are how people experience you at work. Leadership is not only vision and execution. It is also atmosphere. The air people breathe when they’re around you. What psychologists call “emotional contagion.” Jesus called it “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16).
With this in mind, here are three important principles we should remember:
- People catch your spirit before they hear your strategy.
- Presence is always more powerful than position.
- Atmosphere spreads – fear and pressure multiply quickly, but so do love and peace.
Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Colossae, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Imagine a workplace where meetings lift people up instead of draining them. Where words are seasoned with grace, reflecting love, compassion, and kindness. Where your presence quietly but intentionally points people toward life in Christ.
Not everyone will respond favorably toward us. As Paul also pointed out, “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life” (2 Corinthians 2:16). And yet, all we can do is reflect Christ.
So leader, capture the space. Not with ego. Not with force. But with the Spirit. Walk into the room with the intention of letting heaven leak out. Breathe in the Spirit. Breathe out grace. Watch the atmosphere change.
© 2025. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace. Before becoming President of CBMC International, Chris dedicated 28 years to a distinguished career in the public sector – as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; and serving in the U. S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting seven American presidents and leading elite teams in complex, high-stakes international missions. With his wife Ana, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- In what ways do you think your presence – your tone, body language, or words – helps to shape the culture of your workplace?
- Paul calls us “the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). What might be the impact on others if they can “smell” Christ through your leadership this week?
- Leadership often prioritizes results and performance. How can you reframe leadership in terms of setting spiritual atmosphere – love, peace, patience – instead of just seeking to drive outcomes?
- When you reflect on the fruit of the Spirit (listed in Galatians 5:22-23), which “atmospheric quality” do you most need to embody more intentionally in your daily work?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Matthew 5:13-16; Mark 10:45; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Philippians 2:3-4,14-15
Challenge for This Week
When we awaken every morning, we cannot physically see the atmosphere, but we know it is there. We breathe it in without even thinking about it. This week would be a good time for you to reflect on how you are contributing to the atmosphere at your workplace. When you enter a building, office, or meeting room, are you enhancing the atmosphere?
Take some time to discuss this with someone – a close friend, colleague at work, someone you are mentoring or who is mentoring you, or a small group you are a part of. Invite their honest feedback. Then, think and pray about any changes you might need to make through the power of Christ.
