“Implicit in Mr. Harper’s address is a very different sort of nationalism: a nationalism of moral purpose. Canada exists to do good, for its own people and for the world. It is defined by its beliefs and measured by its acts, not by the virtues of its people, real or imagined. Indeed, it makes no claim to uniqueness in this regard, but rather upholds principles that are timeless and universal. But it aspires to be the best exemplar of these: in Mr. Harper’s words, to “be a leader.”

Coyne believes Stephen Harper’s words define a new “national mission statement” for Canada. It is a mission statement that emphasizes action above sentiment. Canadians are not to be considered good because they think they posses good values, but because they prove those values by demonstrating them.

This comment is applicable to faith in the workplace as much as it is to the meaning of Canadian nationhood. Christians at work prove their beliefs by demonstrating them, not just by talking about them.

Some Christians at work who are bold enough to make it known that they are followers of Jesus, lack the moral courage to follow through on their profession. This is because they do not count action in this world as important as belief for the next world. They “use” their jobs, their work or their business as a “platform” from which to spout sentiments about how wicked this world is and about how blessed it will be for others to join them in heavenly bliss.

This separation and devaluation of the working world in favour of a “pie in the sky”  future is an offense to the character of Christ. Jesus didn’t just teach timeless moral truth or prophesy the end of the world. Jesus demonstrated his convictions by laying down his life for the sake of others. (John 15:13) He proved the truth of his words by willingly suffering the consequences of his convictions. He was defined by his beliefs AND measured by his acts.

For Christians at work to be defined by their beliefs they must be measured by their acts. Belief without commensurate action is an offense to the gospel. If they dare to make it known that they serve a different Lord than money, they had better be prepared to be measured by their actions. Otherwise, they ought to keep their mouths shut!