Witness while you work
Because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. ~ Acts 18:3
I used to think that being in full-time ministry meant working at a church or serving on the mission field. My perception was that only pastors and missionaries were truly in ministry. Now I understand that all God’s people are in full-time ministry. Our mission field is wherever we are each day. It doesn’t matter if you work in a church, in an office, at a school, or at a construction site. Whether you are a student, a banker, or a laborer, you are still in ministry. Every believer is called to be God’s light and witness to those around them.
In today’s reading, Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers just as he was. This is the first time in scripture that it is mentioned that Paul worked a trade job. Up until this point, we have mostly read about his preaching and teaching. In Corinth, Paul took on a tentmaker role, submitted to an employer, and worked with his hands during the week. On the Sabbath, he went into the synagogue and preached, but during the workweek he built tents and shared about salvation. Everywhere Paul went, he carried the message of Jesus. He witnessed to others while he worked, day by day, and became a light in every city God sent him to.
That call has not changed for us today. We are in full-time ministry whether we are at work, at home, or even at play. Wherever we go, we are the light of the world. Every person we interact with should have the opportunity to experience the love of God through our words, actions, attitudes and kindness. If our message is not received, we can do just what Paul did and shake it off, knowing we have been faithful to share, and trust God to grow the seeds planted in the hearts of those who heard.
In verses 9-10, Jesus appeared to Paul in a vision and gave him words that still encourage us today: “Don’t ever be afraid. Speak the words that I give you and don’t be intimidated, because I am with you. No one will be able to hurt you, for there are many whom I call my own.” Those words remind us that we don’t minister alone. God is always with us, and He has already prepared the hearts of people we will encounter.
Here is a list of what to do:
- Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit to show you one person you can encourage.
- Use simple acts of kindness at work or school as opportunities to point people to God’s love.
- Share your testimony naturally in conversations, especially when someone talks about struggles.
- Pray silently for coworkers, classmates, or neighbors during your daily routine.
- Remember that you represent Christ everywhere you go, so let your words and actions be full of grace and truth.
Today I want to encourage you to witness while you work. Wherever you are, listen to the gentle nudges of the Spirit to speak words of life in kindness and love. Let those around you know there is hope in this dark world and that God desires to be close to them. Do not be afraid, because the Lord who spoke to Paul still speaks to us today. He promises to be with you, and He has already placed many people around you who belong to Him. You are in full-time ministry, and your light has the power to change lives.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 18:1-17
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.
2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.
3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;
10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat,
13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you.
15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.”
16 And he drove them from the judgment seat.
17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.
Journal:
- Who are three people I regularly see at work, school, or in my community who may need encouragement today?
- How can I use my gifts or talents in ordinary settings to point people to Jesus?
- What fears do I need to release in order to confidently witness while I work?
The Daily Dose 