Have you ever wondered how you can represent Jesus at your workplace? Maybe you feel like you don’t have the same platform as pastors and missionaries to share the gospel, but the truth is, God can use anyone, anywhere, to bring glory to Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says that the ultimate purpose of everything we do is to glorify God. This means that even in our workplaces, we should strive to display God through our words and deeds with a pure heart. We are called to be salt and light, creating thirst for the One who is the Water of Life and illuminating a sin-darkened world to reflect the beauty of God, who is the Light.
So how can you characterize Jesus in your workplace? Let’s take a look at a few examples.
First, it starts with a change in perspective. Dakota’s story is a powerful example of this. He didn’t always view his work and workplace through a kingdom lens, but when his boss showed him care and concern as a person, not just an employee, Dakota began to see his work as a means to serve and love those around him. By creating a safe and comfortable environment for his team to share ideas, Dakota built a vibrant community and a positive work culture. When we view our work through a kingdom lens, we can see opportunities to serve and love those around us, ultimately glorifying God in the process.
Second, be ready with an answer. Even when we it’s difficult to speak publicly about Jesus, we can have an answer ready for anyone who asks why our work and lives look different. Spend time framing the gospel in language specific to your field. For example, if you’re a politician, describe a vision for restorative justice motivated by Jesus, who rules with righteousness and mercy. Or if you’re a scientist, describe your awe and wonder at the intricate order of God’s world. By creatively sharing how our faith impacts our work, we can open doors for meaningful conversations and ultimately point people towards Jesus.
Third, pray for those around you. Take Stephanie, a middle school math teacher in Tennessee, for example. She creates a prayer letter every month, inviting people all around the world to pray for her students and her teaching. While we are able to speak into people’s lives, only God can change their hearts. By praying for our coworkers, we can invite the Holy Spirit in to transform their hearts.
No matter what our occupation is, God wants to use us to bring glory to Him in our workplaces. We can exemplify Jesus through our work by changing our perspective, being ready with an answer, and praying for others. Let us be salt and light in a world that desperately needs the hope and love of Christ.