Start Where You Are, Shine Where You Stand

by Ron Kelleher  - April 28, 2025

Scripture:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”— Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Devotional:

Monday morning. The inbox is full, meetings are stacked, and projects loom like mountains. For many of us, walking into work can feel like stepping into a storm. But what if—right there in the middle of emails and deadlines—we remembered that our workplace isn’t just a job site or office, it’s a mission field?

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16 are as relevant on Monday morning as they are on Sunday morning. He said, “Let your light shine.” Not only at church. Not only at home. But in every place God has planted you—including your workplace.

You may not be able to preach from your desk or hold prayer meetings in the conference room. That’s okay. Most of the time, living out your faith at work starts with something far simpler—and far more powerful.

It starts with showing up with integrity. When others cut corners, we take the high road. When gossip brews, we don’t sip the tea. When we make mistakes, we own them. These everyday actions speak volumes about who we are—and more importantly, whose we are.

It continues with offering grace. Grace looks like patience with a difficult coworker. It’s kindness when the team’s under pressure. It’s humility in success and compassion in someone else’s failure. Grace is countercultural—and unmistakably Christlike.

It grows through intentional relationships. You don’t need to quote Scripture in every conversation to be a witness. People are watching your life. The way you treat others, the way you handle stress, the way you celebrate, the way you persevere. Eventually, someone will ask, “Why are you different?” And in that moment, you’ll be ready to give a reason for the hope you have (1 Peter 3:15).

Let’s be honest—some workplaces are tough. Some leaders are toxic. Some cultures are spiritually dry. But even there—especially there—your light matters. You don’t have to change departments or wait for a new job to start being used by God. He doesn’t need perfect conditions. He simply calls us to faithfulness where we are.

And here’s the beautiful part: when we live out our faith in the workplace, we glorify God. We may not see the ripple effects immediately, but God uses our everyday faithfulness to draw others to Himself.

A Simple Story to Carry With You:

A friend of mine once worked under a manager who was harsh and belittling. She wanted to quit. But each day, she asked God to help her be a light. She prayed for her boss and treated her team with honor. Months later, that very manager pulled her aside and said, “I don’t understand your peace. I want to know more about your God.” That conversation led to lunch… then prayer… and eventually, faith.

Your workplace might just be the place God wants to use you most.

This Week’s Challenge:

Every morning before you begin work, pray this simple prayer:

“Lord, help me shine for You today.Let my words be kind, my work be excellent,and my presence reflect Your love.Use me here—for Your glory.”

Then keep your eyes open for divine appointments. You never know who needs the light you bring.

Reflection Verse for the Week:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”— Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

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