By Jeff Brink, September 24, 2024

I have written previously about God’s providential nature and how He orchestrates our careers and places specific people in our lives for specific reasons. Although we don’t always understand what God wants us to do in every situation, the Bible does provide explicit instructions for our conduct and interactions with others, including at work. We should think of these opportunities as “assignments from God” and approach them purposefully.

Christians have daily opportunities in the marketplace to bring the light of Jesus into dark places, to encourage others, and the greatest of these, to love others. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV).

What being purposeful looks like:

1)        Look for situations around your workplace and in marketplace interactions throughout the day. Consider how God may connect you with someone and invite you to take an active role in His plan. It could be as simple as modeling Jesus’ love in encouragement, or perhaps God is asking you to plant Gospel seeds with a coworker.  

2)        Go out of your way to encourage others, as Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” We should be unashamed of our faith, speak the truth, and build up one another. This goes far beyond Sunday mornings and includes walking alongside a brother or sister through the good and the bad and preparing for what is yet to come together.

3)        Be a light. Your testimony should shine bright for Christ. Your actions should encourage and inspire others without one word spoken.

Beyond your workplace and the marketplace, networking is another way to find and cultivate providential connections and “assignments” from God. Christ Covenant Church in Atlanta has an upcoming event on October 10^th where you can hone your networking skills and make purposeful connections https://christcovenantbuckhead.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2420778

As kingdom ambassadors in the marketplace, our conduct is always on display and has far-reaching influence. We are always representing King Jesus and His church. The Apostle Paul knew the significance of Christian conduct when he wrote, “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14,15 ESV). 

Purposefully cultivate the connections before you and be a pillar and buttress of truth!