The following is from a series of stories on God using people in the work place as told by members of our congregation:

The apostle Paul offers sound advice in Ephesians 6:5-9:

"Obey your earthly masters (employer) with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves (employees) of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave (employee) or free (employer)."

Paul’s advice encourages responsibility and integrity in the workplace. because the One we ultimately want to please is our Father. But, how do we do that? How do we become, as Matthew says, salt and light to our co-workers (Matthew 5:13-16)?

As the salt of the world we are to preserve and season the world around us. We have salt in ourselves by retaining the precious qualities that make us a blessing to others. As a light for God we desire to shine at work. Not to route praise and glory to yourself, but to direct it to the Lord. It’s with this in mind that I head to the YMCA for 20 hours a week, and to my salon for another 15.

I quietly do my job, not because I am ashamed, and not because I am intimated. I’m quiet because I have learned that actions speak louder than words. I don’t need to lecture my co-workers or criticize their lifestyle to be a light for the Lord. I simply have to allow God to shine through me.

God shines when Christian curriculum is implemented in YMCA children’s programs. God shines when I am reliable, when I show up on time, every time. He shines when I am found to be trustworthy, when I forgive, and when I humbly ask forgiveness. God shines when I own up to a mistake.

I don’t believe that anyone is ever argued into the kingdom; therefore, I wait until God has prepared a heart to hear. I speak when He asks me to speak (no matter how hard my knees are knocking in fear.) I stop when He tells me to stop (no matter how much more I think should be said on the topic.)

I have been blessed through many different work opportunities to be used by God. And, as workers with a heart for people we have an opportunity to be used by God. You may be the seed planter. You may hold the watering can. You may be the one who harvests the crop.

No matter what your job is, you can be sure without your effort the field would become overgrown with weeds and the enemy of the harvest would thrive. God created you with your exact gifts, your exact personality, and your exact smile to reach out and touch a lost soul.

Allow God to use you in your workplace to bring refreshment to others.
[Stacey Weeks -- YMCA]