Taking a Stand as a Christian Software Engineer

I can't control what's going to happen to me right now or even in the next few seconds. I can try, but there's no guarantee. I can float through all the meditation in the world, sleep like a baby for eight hours every night, consume all the right foods and vitamins, and exercise like Tom Brady - but there's still no guarantee, right?

We've all heard the stories of extremely fit and successful athletes who die young or the wealthy and healthy doctor bicyclist killed by a car on his morning ride.

And we know that throughout history, some of the world's best talent died young and unexpectedly. Sometimes, their inner circles or even the public at large may have seen it coming or at least feared their imminent death - especially for those that lived life on the edge, like Amelia Earhart - the first female aviator to make solo transatlantic flight; or River Phoenix, the young and successful Hollywood star whose inner circle did indeed fear it might happen due to his extreme abuse of drugs and alcohol. But what about Princess Diana? Still young, beautiful, healthy, and loved by people all over the world? Or Kobe Bryant? Kobe was healthy and no one in the helicopter had drugs or alcohol in their system, including the pilot.

The phrase "nothing in life is guaranteed" has its roots in the famous quotation written by American statesman Benjamin Franklin:

"In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."

This saying highlights the unpredictability and insecurity of life and has become a widely used idiom to express the idea that no matter what, certain things, such as death and taxes, are the only certainties in life. This idea has been widely accepted and has influenced many common sayings, such as "no guarantees in life" or "life is uncertain." The phrase serves as a reminder that no matter how much we plan and prepare, there are always elements of life that are beyond our control.

But despite this popular saying, we actually do have a guarantee in life - we are guaranteed the power of free will at each and every moment, regardless of our religious ideology. Right this very second, you and I have the ability to make a conscious decision about what we think and believe and our immediate thoughts have a significant impact on the choices we make and the actions we take.

21 Don't ever forget my words; keep them always in mind. 22 They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body. 23 Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:21-23 (KJV)

As a software engineer, I have a wealth of experience working with clients and brands from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those from different religious and cultural backgrounds and while I’ve occasionally taken stands against clients who promoted ideas that were obviously anti-Christian, I've also collaborated with companies and clients whose values were not, particularly if the financial compensation was attractive.

And for me, what’s important, is that as a software engineer, I can have a major impact on a company's success, especially in today's digital age. My role in ensuring the company's software systems are created and functioning optimally directly impacts its ability to reach its target audience and drive growth and profitability. The skills and expertise of a software engineer can make a significant difference in a company's success. So, if I work for a company that goes against my beliefs, am I not responsible for its actions and successes?

Being a Christian means striving to emulate Christ, therefore as Christians shouldn’t we only work with companies that align with our faith? And if we don’t, aren’t we responsible for the successes it makes against our faith?

I believe wholeheartedly that we are, and this is exactly the reason why I choose to only work with clients that align with my faith as a Christian. This is my stand and I’m sticking to it.