“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Live out faith through character and good work
- Respect coworkers of different beliefs
- Understand appropriate boundaries for faith expression at work
- Write a personal work ethic covenant
Lesson Notes
Light Through Good Works
Jesus said people will see our good works and glorify God. The most powerful witness at work is usually not words but character: honesty, excellence, kindness, and peace under pressure.
Lydia: Faith and Business
Lydia was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth (Acts 16:14–15). After coming to faith she used her home and resources to support the church. Faith and work belonged together in her life.
Respect and Wisdom
Workplaces include people of many beliefs. Respect them, follow your employer's policies, and don't pressure others. Share your faith when invited, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). You can pray quietly, keep a verse at your desk if allowed, and serve people well.
Your Work Ethic Covenant
A covenant is a serious promise. You will write a personal work ethic covenant drawing on everything in this course: your view of work, diligence, integrity, humility, excellence, relationships, perseverance, and witness.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Witness | Showing and sharing faith through life and words |
| Covenant | A serious, committed promise |
| Gentleness and respect | The manner 1 Peter 3:15 calls for in sharing faith |
In-Class Activities
Wise or Unwise?
Discuss each: praying quietly before meals at your desk; leaving tracts on every coworker's desk; answering a coworker's question about your faith at lunch; refusing to help a customer of a different religion; doing excellent work without complaining.
Covenant Draft
Draft eight commitments, one from each module, for your work ethic covenant.
Assignment: Final Project Submission
Submit your Work Ethic Covenant and Character Portfolio (see the Final Project section).
Graded with the Final Project Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Matthew 5:16 says our good works can point people to God. As you complete the Office Administration certificate courses, what do you want coworkers to notice about how you work?
Prayer focus: Ask God to let your light shine through your work.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Lydia and the Light of Good Works
Lydia was a businesswoman who sold expensive purple cloth (Acts 16:14–15). When she came to faith, she didn't leave her business. She used her home and resources to support the church. Faith and work belonged together in her life.
Jesus said people would see our good works and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). In most workplaces, the strongest witness is not words but character: honesty, excellence, kindness, and peace under pressure.
Workplaces include people of many faiths and none. Respect them. Follow your employer's policies. Share your faith when invited, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Pray quietly. Serve everyone well.
Your Work Ethic Covenant brings together everything you've learned: a biblical view of work, diligence, integrity, humility, excellence, healthy relationships, perseverance, and wise witness. It's a promise to God and to yourself about the kind of worker you will be.
Think About It
- Who has shown you faith through how they worked? ______________________
- How will you share your faith wisely at work? ______________________
- What is the most important commitment in your covenant? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 8
Let Your Light Shine
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.— Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Good work can point people to God.
Reflect: What good works will people see in you?
Pray: Lord, let my light shine.
Do: Do excellent work in one task today.
Lydia's Open Heart
Whose heart the Lord opened.— Acts 16:14 (KJV)
God opened Lydia's heart, and she opened her home.
Reflect: How has God opened your heart?
Pray: Lord, keep my heart open to You.
Do: Offer hospitality or help to someone.
Gentleness and Respect
Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.— 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
Share your hope when asked, gently and respectfully.
Reflect: How would you answer if a coworker asked about your faith?
Pray: Lord, give me gentle and wise words.
Do: Write a short answer about your hope.
Salt of the Earth
Ye are the salt of the earth.— Matthew 5:13 (KJV)
Salt flavors and preserves. Your presence can make a workplace better.
Reflect: How can you be salt at work?
Pray: Lord, make me salt and light.
Do: Bring encouragement into one conversation.
A Covenant Kept
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.— Psalm 119:106 (KJV)
A covenant is a serious promise, kept with God's help.
Reflect: What promise are you making in your covenant?
Pray: Lord, help me keep my commitments.
Do: Sign and pray over your Work Ethic Covenant.
Module Quiz
- 1.
According to Matthew 5:16, people glorify God when they see our:
- 2.
Lydia was:
- 3.
1 Peter 3:15 says to share our hope with:
- 4.
Refusing to serve a customer of a different religion is a good witness.
- 5.
Name two wise ways to live out faith at work.