By Jeff Brink, September 2, 2024

The idea of being light in the darkness is not just a metaphorical concept, but it also has practical implications for how we live our lives as Christians, including in the marketplace. It means being a source of hope and encouragement to those around us. It means shining the light of Christ’s love and truth into every situation and every relationship, even when things seem dark or hopeless. Ultimately, it means trusting God’s promise that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

The phrase “light in the darkness” is a common theme throughout the Bible and serves as a reminder of God’s presence and faithfulness in all situations. The book of Isaiah, for example, speaks of a coming Messiah who will be “a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6), who will “bring light to those who live in darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). When Jesus walked the earth, He was the “Light of the world” (Matthew 8:12). Now that Christ has returned to heaven, the church is responsible to shine His light into the darkness on earth (Matthew 5:14, John 9:4,5). That’s you and me.

By God’s providence, we are placed in our jobs and the marketplace as part of His plan to bring light into specific spiritually dark places. Christian music artist Jeremy Camp has a hit song titled These Days YouTube – These Days where his catchy refrain nails this idea:

“I believe that you and I are in the right place, at the right time

God called us by name, and He doesn’t make mistakes

I know we were born to shine bright, in a dark world that needed some light

Don’t have to be afraid, maybe we were made for these days.”

Imagine God’s Spirit hovering over the face of the earth. Everything is dark and without form until God breathes out the words, “Let there be light.” In an instant, everything changes. The light pierces the darkness, and what was once invisible is now seen clearly. This is what God’s Spirit does. He is always near—bringing light to what was once covered in darkness.

As believers, the same Holy Spirit hovers over us at work and everywhere we go, empowering us to live out the calling God has placed on us. The Holy Spirit is a gift from our heavenly Father that helps us live in a way that honors God and reflects His character. When we allow the Holy Spirit to shape us, He transforms the ways we think and act and empowers us to make Jesus known throughout the world, bringing light into the world.

What are the dark places in your marketplace? What places or people has God placed before you in your profession where His light can shine through your conduct and interactions?

As Jeremy Camp sings, “Don’t be afraid, maybe we were made for these days.”