One of the things that distinguishes the Christian in the workplace is the redefinition of what is the 'bottom line'. The bottom line is not merely the line on a financial report showing the net income or loss. The most important issue for the believer is not just the maintenance of a profit margin, increase in sales, or customer satisfaction. It is more than the pursuit of excellence or realizing a productivity goal. The bottom line is ultimately to please God. Jesus said "Make the kingdom of God your primary concern." (Matthew 6:3).

The New Testament teaches employees to "obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil." (Colossians 3:22-25 NLB).

The process of our work is as important as the product. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." He did not say "that they might hear you explain the gospel", but "that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Answering people's questions regarding the hope that you have is important (1Peter 3:15) but what is more important is that we demonstrate the gospel hope in such a winsome way that people know that our life is derived from our Father in heaven and will want that kind of life for themselves.

What kind of good deeds generate that kind of curiosity? Heartfelt service that goes the extra mile, a positive attitude, diligence in showing initiative, honesty, relational integrity, healthy communication, a commitment to excellence, all can demonstrate the ways of our Father. We do not turn heads if our goal is just to get by. We look for ways in which we can raise the bar to the highest possible standard of a kingdom lifestyle.

Above all, express true love; a selfless concern for others that treats everyone as a person for whom Christ died. Love your employer, fellow employees, customers and suppliers. If they matter so much to God they must matter to you. If Christ loves them so radically, so we must participate in that love.

We can be thermostats rather than thermometers in the workplace. We can set the climate control with our upbeat and helpful example.  Rather than merely reporting back the degree of chill or heat that is being felt in the office, we can create a positive atmosphere. We seek for the conditions of the kingdom of God (and the will of God) to be manifested in the workplace as it is in heaven.

Jesus rebukes those who play it safe, hiding their light under a bowl. Undercover lamp bearers bring no good effect upon those around them. Our light needs to be evident, placed on a lamp stand where it can shine into every corner of our darkened world. You are the light of the world! You are the salt of the earth. Light shatters the darkness and salt stops the spread of corruption. We can overcome evil with the kind of good that emerges from Spirit controlled living. Christ is calling us to full potency as His kingdom agents on the job.

Christ's Lordship affects every aspect of our lives. Certainly His impact should be known and felt where many of us spend the majority of our time.