“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV
There is a temptation as believers to live our lives in segments, subconsciously allowing God to influence our spiritual life alone, nothing else. This shouldn’t be so. God wants to shine through every area of our lives, work inclusive. In your walk with God, you should not only exhibit light in your personal life but also in your professional life because your entire life ought to reflect Christ.
Exhibiting God in your professional space might not seem natural at first but you are God’s ambassador and thus must reveal Him wherever you find yourself (2 Corinthians 5: 20). Let’s consider some ways that you can shine as light in your workplace.
First, you should be bold in preaching the Gospel in your place of work. This is the great commission we have all been given (Matthew 28:19-20). While it is good to go out to meet strangers with the Gospel, you can also utilise the influence you have in your workplace to bring your colleagues or customers to Christ. You should not be ashamed to preach this Gospel in your workplace (Romans 1:16). God is always ready to give you the wisdom to do this.
Secondly, you should stand out for your good ethic. Your colleagues, employers or employees, should be able to spot a difference in your behaviour because you don’t compromise your values, no matter the circumstances. God doesn’t want you to blend with the crowd for evil but stand out. You do this by constantly renewing your mind with God’s word, knowing that you live for the audience of One (Romans 12:2).
Paul addressing the Colossian church and by extension us on their attitude to work says, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:22-24 (NKJV).
Thirdly, be excellent. Like Daniel, you must stand out in excellence in whatever is committed to you (Daniel 1: 19-20). This can be practically demonstrated in various ways like meeting up with deadlines, paying attention to details, being open to feedback, etc. Your colleagues should see you as reliable and trustworthy.
You should also be bold in taking a stand for God as the need arises, not cowering in fear or trying to be people pleasers. When you seek to please men and not God you will fall into error. The Word of God should take centre stage in your life and always be placed above the words of men (Matthew 10:28, Galatians 1:10).
Dear believer, be the light in your workplace today! There is a ready harvest of souls there as well.
Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 22-24