No matter how you feel about Rowan County City Clerk Kim Davis’ incarcerationand the ongoing push-pull between the law and religious liberty advocates, there are lessons to be gleaned from her story. Whether you realize it or not, when you walk into your place of employment this week, Kim Davis and you will walk in together. Her actions have arrested the national psyche, and as such, every Christian who works a job will feel the effect.

Kim Davis and You

Today, when you go back to work after the long Labor Day weekend, there will be water-cooler-discussions about Kim Davis. Some of your co-workers might defend her, others will be opposed to her stance against gay marriage, and still others might be unsure of what to think or afraid to share what they really think.

How do I know this?

Because even a casual glance at social media affirms the wide array of feelings and opinions on this topic:

And then there’s you.

You are a serious Christ follower. Your work ethic has set you apart in your workplace. You are respected. You are looked to, not just for the job you do, but for the depth of your spirit, and the way you care for others. In fact, everyone in your office knows that you are a Jesus follower. And as such, they have come to you privately for prayer, and perhaps you’ve even taught Bible studies to some of them.

But now there is this Kim Davis thing. The media is full of the hype, the drama, the tears, the anger, the experts on what the law says, and the advocates for religious liberty.

But at your job this week there will be you.

Only you.

No hype. No media. No experts. Just you and your knowledge. You and your personal convictions. You and the topic of Kim Davis and her choice to refuse to do the job she was elected to do because of her deeply held Biblical conviction that marriage is only to be between one man and one woman.

What will you do? What will you say? How will you engage with others on this sensitive topic? Has the time come for you to take a more public stand for your beliefs?

Only you can answer these questions. You know your heart and personal viewpoint, and you know your workplace. But below are a few suggestions to help you navigate this topic in a wise, and God honoring way.

Know the Facts

Don’t just know the hype. Know the facts. Read news reports from many different sources and viewpoints. This is imperative in order for you to have a solid understanding of the facts, and what those you might be discussing this topic with might be reading. Here are a few facts to get you started. But please, do your own research as well.

• Davis was married 4 times. Public records verify this. She remarried the same man twice. By her own admission, this was before she became a born-again Christian. She has stated in more than one news report that she is redeemed, and wishes that everyone she knows could have their life turned around like she did.  SOURCE:Snopes

• Liberty Counsel is defending Kim Davis. Her attorney likens her actions to Martin Luther King Jr. stating:“She’s not going to resign, she’s not going to sacrifice her conscience, so she’s doing what Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about in his Letter from the Birmingham Jail, which is to pay the consequences for her decision,” said Mat Staver, one of Ms. Davis’ attorneys. SOURCE:Wall Street Journal

• Some Republican Presidential candidates are defending Davis, and some are not. SOURCE: Fox Newsand Christianity Today

• Legal experts warn that religious law superseding federal law sets a dangerous precedent. SOURCE:The Washington Post

• Religious Liberty is at stake. There are arguments on both sides of this fence. SOURCE:The Daily Signaland Christianity Today

• Christians are rallying behind Davis. Some, like Apostolic Evangelist Shad McIntosh, have traveled to the Kentucky jail where Davis is being held are holding street meetings. SOURCE: Shad McIntosh Facebook Page and USA Today

Determine Your Point of View

Prayerfully consider your stance on this topic, and be ready to provide examples and reasons.

For example, while I wholeheartedly defend Kim Davis’ right to do what she did, I am not sure I would have chosen the same path. My personality and workplace dynamics might be better served with a different approach.If I find myself in a discussion about Kim Davis in my workplace, I would support her right to make the choices she did, but I would also seek to redirect the conversation to something more applicable to my work environment, and then respectfully and kindly offer my point of view hopefully as a launching pad for a healthy discussion.Say for example if euthanasia was legalized, having worked in hospice as long as I have, that would be an appropriator topic to my workplace environment, and one that might bring about an opportunity to discuss the sovereignty of God etc.

Be a Good Listener

Whatever discussions arise around the water cooler this week, be a good and active listener. Maintain an open body language. Do not subconsciously cross your arms, etc. Nod, affirm, paraphrase. There is a reason that the scripture tells us that even a fool is considered wise when he holds his tongue. ( Proverbs 17:28) Show interest. Demonstrate open-mindedness. Remember that you ultimate goal is to influence others for the cause of Christ, not prove your point.

Beware of Engagement

There may be those that simply want to engage you for the sake of an argument. Avoid this. Stay emotionally calm. Speak in soft tones. Do not allow pride or self-righteousness to enter the picture in any form. Look to Christ as your example. When he was intensely accused before the Sanhedrin court, but he did not rant and rave and defend himself. Instead, he exuded self-control and love. Also, remember, that the Holy Bible tells us how to diffuse potentially angry situations: “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Walk Away

If the conversation gets heated or seems to be on unhealthy track, quietly excuse yourself and walk away. There is little to be gained from an out and out confrontation. In most cases, neither party is going to see things from other’s point of view.

Be a Christian

Above all, example Christ. Be kind. Be gentle. Turn the other cheek. Give them your coat and cloak also. Speak the truth in love. In love – not in animosity or judgment. Let them know, that you can respectfully agree to disagree. And seek to find the commonality between varying points of view. This is an opportunity for you to shine in the workplace. To show those around you what living for Christ is really like. Be the difference, in your attitudes and actions.

Let’s Pray

Lord Jesus, I cannot imagine how Kim Davis must be feeling this morning as she wakes up in a jail cell for doing what she believes honors you. Please comfort her. Guide her. And give her Your wisdom as to what her next steps should be. And Lord, please go before everyone of your followers today. Help them to conduct themselves in a way that honors You. Let this be one of their greatest moments to example you, and not disgrace you. Teach us Lord. Let us learn from past situations that have become inflamed in the media, and cause us to listen intently to what you would have us to do, and not to do. Remove every vestige of pride from our hearts. Help us not to jump on the “Kim Davis Bandwagon” for our own personal gain. Teach us to act like You. To honor You. To love others as You do. In Your precious and holy name, Amen.