Interacting with atheist co-worker
One of my co-workers (80 years old) is an atheist and also a former Catholic priest. I try to be polite to him in our discussions about non-religious and non-political topics. However, because I'm a conservative and strong in my faith, he at best tolerates me. Today he asked about my thoughts on Donald Trump as President. I responded by saying that I really only put my trust in God as my Lord and Savior and not so much to those who hold public office. He asked me why I believe in God. I told him that we should discuss this while not at work, as it's not a short discussion and that work is not the place to talk about religion. I did tell him that I will not apologize for my conservative or Christian values. The only thing he told me was that my being near him with my religious beliefs really bothered him. Am I correct in thinking that because he has turned his back on our Lord that his heart has been hardened, much like Pharaoh's heart was? Would being in his presence endanger my faith? Or, would it be best that I just pray for this individual and let the Holy Spirit work in him? I'd hate to see him be condemned to an eternity of separation from our Lord, knowing there was something I could do to help, such as prayer. As I've learned, the nature of the dead is to stay dead and I'm afraid that he is spiritually dead.
Peering into hearts is something only God can do (1 Samuel 16:7). We cannot see whether someone has hardened his or her heart; we cannot see if God has, consequently, hardened that person’s heart.
Certainly, being in the presence of people who are opposed to our faith can be dangerous if we adopt their way of thinking. On the other hand, associating with people who reject the truths of God’s word provides opportunities for us to share the biblical truths they need to hear and believe.
“Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) to your co-worker as you have opportunity. Pray that God blesses your words and Christian example, so that others can praise God (Matthew 5:16).
Finally, keep in mind that when you experience troubles and difficulties in life because your “religious beliefs bother” other people, that is what the Christian cross is all about. Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow him in faith (Mark 8:34). May God strengthen you through his gospel to do just that.