Statistics have shown that Christians are as dissatisfied at work as their non-professing counterparts. One reason for this is that many Christians aren’t taught to view work from a biblical perspective. Here are three thoughts as to why we work:

Influence 

““You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

We are called to be salt and light in our offices and to our colleagues. What does that mean? Firstly what does salt do to food? It changes the flavour of the food it is added to. Your presence in the office changes the spiritual flavour and aroma of your office! Your presence and prayers begin to make your workplace an intersection between heaven and earth. The way you act and lead creates an example that others follow or are impacted by.

A favorite story I’ve heard tells of a time at a Starbucks drive-through, where the 1st guy in the line decides to buy the next persons coffee and when the next person hears that, he did it for the person after him. This culture of generosity went on for 6 hours! One persons act sets a pattern of goodness that others follow! You too by your actions can set patterns that change the culture in your office to align with the culture of heaven. 


The next element is light. Often we think of this as light exposing darkness but light removes darkness, overpowers it! What light exposes is hope, it brings an illumination to the lives of the people around you to see their God-given destiny and purpose. 

A story is told of a painter that became friends with a beggar. One day the painter offered to paint a portrait of his friend. He began painting way and the friend was curious about what was manifesting on the canvas. Finally the painter completed his artwork and it completely surprised his Friend. Instead of rags and rubbish, the painter showed this man well-groomed and dashing in a business suit! The man asked “why?”. The painter explained, “because that’s the man I see”. The man, close to tears, replied, “if that’s the man you see, then that’s the man I’ll be”. 

You have the power to illuminate hope in the lives of those around you. Ps Bill Johnson once said “he who has the most hope, has the most influence”. 


In summary:

  • We are where we are to influence 
  • As salt, we can influence the culture of our workplaces
  • As light, we can illuminate hope in the lives of our colleagues in the marketplace to help them see themselves as the Father sees them.

Did you find this helpful? Share your thoughts and comments with us. And stay tuned for our next instalment!

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