Practical Ways to Be a Light in Your Workplace Without Being Overbearing
Hello, and welcome back! On this journey, you’ll notice there are six main categories we’ll explore together. My aim is to introduce you to each in a way that adds real value to your life.
This week, we’re focusing on Faith in the Marketplace. As I sat down to write, I was reminded of a TikTok I recently came across. It featured a man recounting a conversation with a woman who told him she was being persecuted at work for being a Christian.
Immediately, my ears perked up. Having worked in full-time ministry for almost a decade, this wasn’t something I’d personally experienced. To my surprise, the man responded, “No, you’re not!” I can only imagine the flood of emotions she must have felt hearing those words.
His bold response stuck with me because it forced me to reflect: How often do we believe we’re being mistreated for our faith when, in reality, our actions and attitudes may not align with what we profess?
It reminded me of an experience from my childhood that taught me a valuable lesson about fruitfulness.
A Lesson in Fruitfulness
When I was about six, my family took a road trip through the Northern Cape. Sitting on my mom’s lap in the cab of our white bakkie (a 90s parenting quirk), my older brother suddenly shouted, “Daddy, look there!” My dad stopped the car, and the excitement was palpable as my brother jumped over a farmer’s fence to pick prickly pears (sorry farmer).
I was confused. Why were they so eager to pick fruit from a cactus? My mom explained that the seemingly unappealing plant produced sweet, delicious fruit.
This memory stayed with me because it mirrors how we are often judged—not by our labels or appearances, but by the fruit we produce. Trees can’t slap signs on themselves claiming to be something they’re not. An apple tree can’t call itself an orange tree and expect people to believe it. Likewise, as Christians, it’s not the label of “faith” we carry but the fruit of our actions that reveals who we truly are.
Bearing the Right Fruit in the Workplace
Every day, we walk into our workplaces with an invisible sign that says, “Christian Tree.” But are the fruits we display—our attitudes, words, and behaviour—consistent with that label?
Galatians 5:22–23 tells us what this fruit should look like: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not just abstract virtues; they are practical ways to interact with colleagues, managers, clients, and those we lead.
For instance:
• Patience: Instead of snapping at a coworker for a missed deadline, show understanding and help them improve.
• Kindness: Extend a helping hand to someone struggling with their workload, even when it’s not part of your job description.
• Goodness: Act with integrity, doing what’s right even when no one is watching.
The man on TikTok elaborated on his response to the woman: If she consistently displayed the fruits of the Spirit, her colleagues would be drawn to her, not repelled by her faith.
Excellence as Worship
Colossians 3:23-24 sums it up beautifully:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This scripture reframes work as an act of worship. Whether you’re meeting deadlines, leading a team, or serving customers, your commitment to excellence reflects God’s glory. Jesus also teaches us to “go the extra mile” (Matthew 5:41), challenging us to exceed expectations with extraordinary love and generosity.
While grit and determination are valuable in the workplace, they must be paired with grace. Grace allows us to work with purpose, keeping God at the centre of our efforts.
Today, I encourage you to:
1. Be like Joseph, using your skills to serve others and reflect God’s glory.
2. Be like the Sons of Issachar, seeking wisdom to make impactful decisions.
3. Display the fruits of the Spirit, letting your actions speak louder than words.
Remember, you don’t have to preach a sermon to share your faith. By living out your values consistently and authentically, you can be a light in your workplace.
Thank you for sharing your time with me. I hope this post inspires you to choose Grace over Grit in all you do. I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment and share your experiences. And if you found value in this post, share it with someone who might need encouragement.
Until next time, stay tethered while stepping into the unknown.
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Thank you Merlyn, you have encouraged me to relook how I serve others by the fruit I bear. A thought arrised as I read your blog. Am I bearing the right fruits, that I (my tree) should be carrying as a child of God. This blog is a true eye opener not just for me in my business but in my home as a wife and a mother.
Thank you, Risha, for sharing such a heartfelt reflection. It’s so powerful to hear how the blog has inspired you to pause and evaluate the fruit you’re bearing in every area of your life—work, home, and family. That self-examination is such an essential step in our walk with God.
As you continue this journey, remember that fruit-bearing is a process; it takes time, intentionality, and staying connected to the Source. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—grows in us as we walk in step with the Spirit.
I pray that as you continue to focus on bearing the right fruit, your light shines brighter, impacting everyone you serve as a wife, mother, and businesswoman. Thank you for your kind words—they’ve deeply encouraged me too! 🙏
Thank you for your post. As I was reading, Matthew 7:15-20 came to my mind. It is true, though it is inportant to share our faith with others, how we live our lives speaks louder, at home, at work and everywhere. May God help us bear fruit that glorify Him. Fruit that last.
God bless you
Thank you, Jane, for sharing such a profound reminder from Matthew 7:15-20. It’s so true that our actions and the fruit we bear often speak louder than our words, especially in the workplace and at home. Living a life that reflects Christ’s love and integrity has the power to create a platform to share the Gospel with those in our world drawing them to God without saying a word.
Your prayer resonates deeply—may God indeed help us bear fruit that glorifies Him and leaves a lasting impact on those around us. Thank you for engaging so meaningfully with the blog; your insights are such a blessing!
Thank you Merlyn, for sharing your experiences. Reading your blog posts truly helps me reflect on myself and how I handle certain situations. Your insights always encourage me to see situations from a new angle.
Thank you, Lizelia! I’m so glad to hear that the blog has encouraged you and given you a fresh perspective. It’s a blessing to know these reflections are making a difference in your journey. 😊 Keep shining your light in every situation!