“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV)
As representatives of Christ, we always have to be mindful that we bear his image. When others look at us, they should see the love, light, and truth of the gospel of Jesus. And as Americans, we have the ability to be able to broadcast our faith boldly. I don’t believe we have to wear stickers on our foreheads that say, “I’m a Christian,” but when asked to confirm or deny him, authentic believers should do the former.
Very recently I was placed in this particular situation. I was at the dentist. When the hygienist called me to the back, I sat in the chair, anticipating my oral cleaning. The hygienist randomly began talking about going to church when she blurted out, “Are you a Christian?”
Don’t Hide the Faith
The question took me by surprise. In all my years as a proclaimed Christian, no one has ever outrightly asked if I serve Jesus. Taking a moment to contain myself, before we began with my dental work, I simply replied, “I am.”
I was reminded of Peter in Luke 22 when he was asked to affirm that he was with Jesus. When faced with certain death, Peter denied Jesus three times (vv. 55-60). Though I did not face death — I did face, however, a few sharp, metal tools — I stood with confidence to declare that I am counted as one of Jesus’s co-heirs (Romans 8:17).
Always Have an Answer Prepared
For a few days after this encounter, I pondered it and spent time with the Lord concerning it. My hygienist didn’t inquire further, but if she would’ve asked, “Why do you serve God?”, what would I have said?
First Peter 3:15 states, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” in the English Standard Version of the Bible. Having had a few weeks to consider this, I have an answer. I would say, “I don’t know everything, and some days I have more questions than answers, but I feel the change in my life since Jesus has entered, and I know in my heart that his Word is true.” What about you? What would be your prepared answer for why you serve him?
Navigating the Workplace with Your Light
I believe my encounter at the dental office was made possible because I carry Jesus with me everywhere I go. Just as Matthew states that a city set on a hill cannot be hidden, neither can the glory of the Lord when it enters the room with us. Being a light to a lost world means that we don’t shrink back from being noticed as someone who is proud to honor God in all they do, especially in the workplace. It means that we are intentional about what we say, what we do, and our heart’s posture towards our coworkers and superiors. Like a lighthouse on a dark and stormy night, we shine brightly, beckoning all those who need rest to find their place in him.
Featured Photo by Vladyslav Dukhin on Pexels; In-Text Photo by Thirdman on Pexels
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