Representing Jesus Christ at Work

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus said (Matthew 5:14-16). “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.”

If you were sitting or standing in that crowd listening to Jesus saying this, maybe you might be thinking, “Who, me?” and looking at the person standing beside you who might be thinking the same thing. But look at the context. They have come to listen to Jesus, to hear the Master. And so must we if we are going to do those good works Jesus was talking about.

Unbelievers may do good works because they think that will make them successful, or they might help people and that would make them feel good. Some unbelievers might even think their good works will get them in good standing with God. But if you are a born again believer in Jesus Christ, then, he said, your works will glorify the Father. How does that work?

What Makes You Different?

What makes a Christian employee different? You've probably heard or read that Christian employees should be the best workers. Of course, that is true, but it's more than that. What it really boils down to is a Christian should be a reflection of Jesus Christ. That is not merely doing a good job, which, of course, you should do.

Unbelievers can have a good work ethic, but that does not glorify your Father in heaven. The only thing that glorifies your Father in heaven is work that is done “unto the Lord,” and that can only happen if a person is in love with Jesus Christ. You are there to be a witness. You are there to be whatever God is calling you to be in that workplace until He moves you somewhere else.

You are an Ambassador

While you are in the position you are in, remember that you are there as a representative of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I don't mean that you will always be perfect. You and I know that is not going to happen, and God knows that. This life is a journey, but as a Christian, the goal is that your eye will always be on the prize, the goal is that your eye will always be on the prize, that is to put Him and His purposes first so that you may hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

A good memory verse for me on the job has been Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” You may have struggled with jobs, never feeling like this is really the best God has for you, but wherever you are, if you keep your eye on the Lord, and keep putting your relationship with Him first, God will get you wherever He wants you.