I have been blessed in the majority of my professional career to be employed in places that have been started by and operated by individuals who love Jesus and have based their businesses to operate on Godly practices. That being said, there was one place that I worked that wasn’t like that. I once held a position where I was the store manager in a chain of regional stores. There was often gossip, slander, miscommunication and chaos throughout the ranks of those working. Unfortunately, most of those actions also came from the majority of the senior management that was over me. I found it difficult to work with these men as their actions were indicators of their character.
There was one man above me that I did enjoy working with. His name was Shahbaz. Shahbaz was a hard-working man. When it was his time to come to the store to inspect and work, he didn’t just sit in the office as the other regional managers did. He worked side by side on the floor with us. He was particular and deliberate. He knew what needed to be done and expected those working with him to execute excellence. Not many people liked working with Shahbaz because he was so dedicated. After months of working with Shahbaz, I came to find out that he loved Jesus. What a joy that was! Looking back on my time there, I now see my good friend as a light in a dark world. He was a living and breathing example of Titus 2:9-10 to me and those working with us.
Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. (Titus 2:9-10 NLT)
As Christ-followers we are called in our employment to be honorable and unimpeachable in how we spend the time and resources we are allotted. We may not always be admired by those we work with, but our desire is to work as unto our Lord (Colossians 3:23). In doing so, we will be an influence and impression of our Savior to those who don’t know Him.
How about you? Do you find yourself working in a dark environment? Are there days when you just don’t see how God could possibly shine through in such a gloomy world? Our Father is limitless. We can’t put a limit on what He could do! As an employee, do your job and work hard to that end. Work with integrity and honor. By doing so, you can be a flashlight preparing the way for the Lighthouse that is on the horizon!
Father God, may we be Your light in a dark world. If you’ve placed us in a place where there seems to be no light, I pray that we would look to You to provide the light needed. May we operate with integrity and righteousness so that by doing so we would be able to point others to you.
