How to be a Light at Work

Most Christians have been in the position of wanting to share Jesus’s love with their co-workers. You probably know the fear that comes with what might happen if you bring it up though. It’s taboo to talk about your faith at work. But your work-place is a field ripe with harvest, and God has sent you into that field. I want to share how you can overcome that fear and use the gifts God gave you to be a light at work.

When I was in Darkness and When I was in Light

I’ll never forget a co-worker who became my friend when he reached out to me after work one day. He said he was struggling with addiction, but he heard me talk about God helping me, saw the way I interacted with people, and noticed I would get to work early and read my Bible in the car before the day started. He concluded that I was not a hypocrite and wanted me to pray for him and tell him about God. I had no idea I was influencing him at all!

It reminds me of my first job—when I hated God—but my partner was a Christian. One day I realized he didn’t cuss like I did. He wasn’t perfect, but I got a glimpse into a life transformed by God. When he “randomly” sent me an email saying he was praying for me, I didn’t know what to think, but I knew it felt good. My friend didn’t do much, but God used every bit of it to lead me to Him. Do you have any experiences where a co-worker was a light for Jesus around you?

The world and the sway of the wicked one will do their best to convince you not to share your faith or even to hide it. I’ve felt that many times—especially on the job. In Dallas, I actually hid the cross necklace I wore under my shirt because I had a co-worker who was hostile towards Christ and made fun of Christians. Eventually, I overcame that fear and began sharing God’s goodness with him. Those conversations were awkward at times, but no one else was having them. One day I found out he was deathly ill and couldn’t work anymore. I’m so glad I let go of my fear and allowed God to speak to him through my obedience.

Don’t be Afraid to be a Light at Work

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”

Matthew 10:26-32 NLT

I understand the fear, but the bottom line is we can’t afford it. Not only for ourselves, like these verses talk about, but also for the people around us. Like Paul says in Romans 10:14-15, how can they believe unless someone tells them the good news? We can’t assume what their response will be or that someone else will be that light—and we never know the last opportunity we’ll have to show someone Jesus loves them.

How to Use Your Witness Style to be a Light at Work

What would happen if each morning before work we took a moment to pray and ask God to highlight someone to us? What if every day He put people on our hearts to pray for or reach out to? I think the simple intersection of our lives could change the world. Ask Him to reveal who you are supposed to impact, and help you know your role in their life. Ask Him for opportunities to bless them and show them God’s love. When we overcome any fear—and are sensitive to His leading—we will be a light.

When Trinna and I worked with a local missions organization they had a resource that told us our evangelistic/witness style. It helped us see the way we naturally shared the gospel, as well as the benefits and ways we can improve with our particular giftings. There’s a questionnaire and explanation of the different witness styles on InterVarsity Evangelism’s site. I highly recommend you learning this side of yourself and use it to be a light at work.

My witness style is Testimonial. What’s yours? Take the test and let me know in the comments below!