Follow Me 

God on Monday
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‘The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”’
John 1:43

Reflection

Many people see their work primarily as a means to find individual fulfilment or to fund their lifestyles. But what if Christians were to regard it as one of the primary areas of life in which God speaks to people and draws them to become followers?

The ministry of Jesus suggests we should build this perspective into the way we view work. He met the woman at the well whilst she was fetching water. He met some of his disciples whilst they were at their work in the fishing industry. He met other people at work in fields, streets, homes, and synagogues. He showed compassion, shared the good news, and addressed people’s needs where they were.

We should do likewise. It should never be necessary for someone to attend a Bible study or Church service for them to experience Christ. Growing up, my youth leader often said, ‘You may be the only Bible someone ever reads’.

This idea has inspired me, over the years, to ask myself whether I do my work as if I am working directly for the Lord. Do I work, for instance, with integrity and excellence, and are the words I use seasoned with grace? Am I a peacemaker, or do I add fuel to the fire through gossip and destructive criticism? Do I operate with (conscious or unconscious) bias, or do I treat everyone with the fairness and love of the Jesus I claim to follow? 

Following Christ is not primarily about religious observance. It is about living our everyday lives in ways that point others to him. The calling of Philip sets a good pattern here, as he immediately goes to tell Nathanael about Jesus. He does so without any direct command from Jesus to do so. Having met ‘the one Moses and the prophets wrote about’, Philip clearly wants to share his experience with those around him. There is no sense that he would prefer to keep it private.

Response

In what ways is God calling you to follow Christ in your work? How can the way you work point others to Jesus and inspire others to follow him?

Prayer

Father, let my light so shine before other people that it causes them to see you. Bring me closer to being able to say with the Apostle Paul, ‘Follow me, as I follow Christ’.

This Week's Author

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment. 

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