September 16th – Whom Shall I Send?

Listening to the Holy Spirit:

The world of the workplace, it is to this place you are sent. For My Spirit is to dwell among those that know only darkness, through those that carry My Spirit, bringing light. Do not fear the bringing, for it is the darkness that fears the light. Shadows flee a well lit room. Darkness succumbs to light, for it must, but no amount of darkness can consume the even the smallest flame. In you is that small flame, burning brighter as you walk in My way, speak My words, and answer My call to love those with whom you work. Be aware of your calling among those that have yet to hear My voice. As the Father beckons them with My piercing light, through you. Into the world, whom shall I send? I send you.

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) – And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

John 1:5 (ESV) – The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 13:20 (ESV) – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

John 20:21 (ESV) – Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.

Ephesians 5:5 (ESV) – For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

Taking It to Work:

It’s a co-operation we have with God. Why He decided that He would give us the privilege and responsibility of shining His light to others, I will never know. It has always seemed to me that God Himself could show up, in some big way, and be much more effective without trying to use us as His light bearers. Obviously, He thinks differently than me, and He has indeed chosen us to spread His light in a sometimes very dark world.

So, He sends us. You and me into our spheres of influence, to light up any part of that sphere that needs it. As a husband and father, I know that light needs to shine through me in our home, and as a Christian in the marketplace, I know that same light needs to shine at work as well. For many, this is a tough, if not scary, assignment.

Why? Because in many of our workplaces it is very dark. Whether that darkness stems from spiritually dark people, or that the workplace culture itself seems to have no place for exercising our faith. At least that’s what the enemy would have us think. The truth is, every dark place will accept light, and if you bring it, it will always make a difference.

What’s that look like? It looks like things every workplace needs, but not every workplace has: Integrity, respectfulness, God-honoring and people-honoring talk. True service to others, encouragement, joy and a genuine love for those we labor with each day.

As a leader, an employee, or even as a customer or vendor, shine that light consistently, and darkness will flee. Shine it consistently enough, and some will be drawn to the Source of that light.

Whom shall He send? You and me, as His Word works through us, today.