‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’

(Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)

Most people will look at today’s devotional title and assume that I am going to talk about being a light as a Christian in a workplace with unsaved colleagues. But what I want us to grasp ahold today is that, whilst being a positive witness to the unsaved is vitally important, so is being a light in environments where we are privileged enough to work with fellow followers of Jesus.

Let me explain…

You may have a particular aptitude for song. As you sing out in worship to the Lord, you are shining brightly and unashamedly for God. This is inspiring to others who may not yet have the same level of confidence that you have in that particular area – or another area for that matter!

As you allow your natural character and God-given personality to shine through into your workplace, you are encouraging others to do the same. They may be at a ‘level 4’ in confidence, where you are at a ‘9’. This difference is visible and can provoke courage in those less confident to be who God has made them to be.

So, be yourself! Don’t allow workplace pressure to squeeze out the natural character that God has given you. If you are a leader – be a leader! If you are vibrant – be vibrant! If you are naturally quieter – be that too! By being who we have been created to be, we shine the light of Christ so brightly for those around us to see Him through us.

Remember, lights are supposed to shine! It is their job!

Allow me to share a powerful quote by Marianne Williamson with you:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”