Principle four is that we work to represent Jesus Christ to the world. This is the last of our four principles that summarize why we go to work, and what we are trying to accomplish in our work.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:13-16).
When our co-workers see our honesty, our cheerful attitude, our industry, and our integrity, it should be displayed in a way that brings glory to God. We all have been tempted to join the griping and gossip at work with attitudes that are not becoming to the Lord. We need to fight this temptation with attitudes that are positive and uplifting.
May I encourage you to see your job as full time ministry? We often only think of religious professionals or missionaries as full time ministers. We in the secular workplace are to be full time ministers as well. The difference in our ministry is how we receive our funding. One of the beautiful benefits of seeing work this way is that we are free from the desire to manipulate to get our way in the workplace. Manipulation for advancement and the salary that comes with it is the world’s way to get ahead, not God’s way.
Why do we go to work? To provide , to redirect, to excel, and to represent Christ. And all for the glory of God.