SALT AND LIGHT WHERE THE FAITH IS NOT WELCOMED
In Mt. 5: 13-16, the Lord calls us to be salt of the earth and light of the world. To do so, we must be in the world to engage it, but not of the world because we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. As salt of the earth, we are to inhibit social decay, preserve what is good, and bring the flavor of God’s truth to all of life. As light of the world, we illumine the dark places in society and show the better way forward.
Applying this to the context of our working world, we become “part of His work to bring common grace to all who are made in His image.” (Russell Gehrlein in his book Immanuel Labor—God’s Presence in Our Profession)
Between the postmodern free world that considers Christianity irrelevant and the totalitarian regimes that penalize the public practice of the faith, how then are believers to be salt and light especially in the workplaces where salt and light are needed?
Jesus acknowledges the challenge and tensions when he spoke about opposition and persecution in verses Mt. 5: 10-12 and provides an approach in v. 16: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven”, highlighting the importance and impact of good works. Examples of good works in the Beatitudes include works of compassion, mercy, justice, and peace. Good works that are seen pave the way for the good word that is to be heard and received.
Nancy is an English teacher in a country where the government narrowly defines the legal spaces and content for religious activities and conversations. The restrictions are many and consequences severe. But Nancy remains committed to bring her students to the feet of Jesus.
Here are a few of her students’ comments on her classes: “I’m confident to speak English and communicate in English. What’s more, I learned many life principles and know what I love and cherish. I’m growing up in this class.” “The class is not just about knowledge but a lot of truth.” “Your content is like a seed which we need to plant and nurture.” “I have been changed a lot to become a better person.”
How does she do it? Here are some principles that can be applied wherever we are.
Be excellent at your job and invite God’s help
Nancy loves to teach and works hard at it. Her first commitment is to improve her students’ language skills. But she also prays for inspiration to incorporate God’s truth in her teaching. She taught socially and personally relevant topics like environmental justice, mental health and disabilities, counterfeits versus the real thing, etc. that help her students to think about their beliefs, values, and attitudes towards life.
Do you invite God into your work? Do you talk to Him about work related projects, people, and problems? If we are instructed to work heartily as for the Lord (Col 3:23), will He not be willing and ready to help you?
Be interested in people. Show that you care
Nancy loves her students. She has 50-70 students in each class. She tries to learn all their names. She designs writing assignments that invite them to share their personal stories and thoughts. She shows care by giving them gifts with handwritten words of encouragement. Until it became unlawful to do so, she invited students to her home for Christmas parties and shared the nativity story. Students who are no longer in her class or have graduated would come back to see her. Students would introduce her to their friends and opportunities to share God’s love outside the classroom continue to grow. Just last month, a former student messaged Nancy that he was reading the Bible and had questions for her. Another former student that she stayed in touch with over the years came to faith!
Do you care about the people at work? Ask God to put His love for them in you. When we care, we will find ways to connect and build meaningful relationship.
Be an encourager
Nancy is a role model of encouragement to her students. “In our country, not many teachers encourage the students,” she was told. A student, disillusioned about the teaching profession (theirs was a teachers’ college), is now inspired to become a good teacher like Nancy. In a culture of guilt and shame, encouragement and affirmation is salt and light to the tired heart.
Here at work too, there are always people who could use encouragement if we would pay attention. Maybe it is a young colleague or a struggling intern. Ask God to show you who they are. Sometimes, they just need a kind word, a pat on the back, or a sympathetic ear. People may even accept a prayer for a loved one who is sick, even if they are not religious.
Be an influencer
Nancy’s influence on her students is plain. They love and respect her. Nancy values teaching because she can influence generations of students, especially in a teachers’ college. Two of her former students, newly minted PhDs, are returning to the university as young faculty. Nancy is thrilled to now have them as colleagues.
Even if we are not teachers or in positions of influence, we can still have influence at work. If we show integrity and humility in what we do, if we put the interest of the company and the team over our personal gain, if we are willing to mentor and help others, and grow a reputation as someone who is kind, fair-minded, and trustworthy, etc., people will take notice. But we must not be afraid to let it be known that we are followers of Jesus. Then we can give credit where it is due, to God.
Read the full story of Nancy, who by personality is an unlikely missionary who struggles with learning the language of her host country. But in a society where cheating and all manners of corruption are commonplace, she is building a culture of honor, excellence, and love, and pointing young people to the truth.