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Spiritual Identity Theft: Is Your Lawyer Afraid to be a Christian?
By Stephen Bloom | October 24, 2009
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. - Acts 4:29
A Christian law student’s recent post at Christians in a Legal World asks the blunt question: “Would you put your membership in Christian Legal Society (or any other ‘Christian’ organization) on your resume?”
On the surface, the question addresses the widespread belief that ”coming out” as a born-again Christian believer is a career killer in the rough and tumble legal profession. But on a deeper level, the question raises a necessary challenge to the personal integrity of law students and lawyers: Will they hide their Christian identity to advance their professional success?
Here’s the answer I posted to the inquiring student:
“I am convinced that God honors us when we honor him. While there may be costs associated with identifying yourself as a Christian lawyer, there are rewards that far outweigh those costs. You may lose some income potential, maybe even some opportunities for career advancement, but you will gain the joy of living an integrated life, and God will have plenty of unexpected career opportunities of his own for you. Don’t hide your faith!”
I’ve met Christian lawyers who secretly and fearfully hide their whispered faith in the underground “catacombs” of the legal profession. I even did it myself for a while. It’s no way to live, it’s dishonoring to Christ, and God has much bigger and better plans for Christian lawyers.
Has your lawyer’s spiritual identity been stolen by fear of the consequences of revealing his or her faith before clients and peers? Pray that he or she will find the courage to become a bold witness for Christ.
Topics: Bible, Uncategorized |
October 24th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I’ve been reading along for a while now. I just wanted to drop you a comment to say keep up the good work.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
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November 14th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I am a 2L in Florida. I’ve had similar conversations with fellow law students about whether or not to include the Christian Legal Society on our resumes, and I always advocated including it because it represents who I am.
If a judge is going to deny me a clerkship, or a firm is going to pass me over because they see that I am a part of a Christian organization, that’s GOOD. Christ is a huge part of who I am. If a potential boss so detains Jesus that I am denied an interview on account of listing CLS on my resume, then I don’t want to work for that person. I’m not a good fit for that firm or judge.
Interestingly, God just blessed me with an incredible job this summer. It pays so much better than my grades and credentials deserve. When I submitted my resume to the firm, my grades were not competitive with other students, but I was given an interview (I later found out) because I had listed the Christian Legal Society on my resume. It turns out, the interviewer is a Christian. I was eventually offered the job, beating out students on law review and in the top 10% of their class.
Ultimately, let your resume accurately represent you. That will ensure that you are matched well with employers. If you hide who you are, not only are you being ashamed of Christ, but you may get hired and placed in a workplace that is not suited for you.
November 17th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
C, great comment, a much appreciated real life affirmation. Your perspective is excellent.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:55 am
I salute for being bold identifying yourself as a Christian lawyer! I am with you in saying that there’s a joy living an integrated-life. I think the joy of being a lawyer is the power to express your own beliefs. And if you are strongly believe in God then this double the joy in the heart.