Paul tells the church at Philippi that there is a privilege of suffering (Philippians 1:29). Wow. There are a lot of mixed emotions with that one. If I was to be honest, it’s not something I look forward to. I’m not sure anyone does.
Today, I return to Microsoft after four weeks of vacation. It has been good; it has been needed. After three years of endless frustration, I needed a break. I’m not excited to be returning, but I’m also not discouraged. I’m…I guess you could say…indifferent. Microsoft isn’t a passion; it’s just a job–it pays the bills. At least, however, I’m refreshed, and my heart and mind are restored.
I’m not sure how long I’ll be here, but my employment does facilitate the ministry for which God has burdened my heart. So I’ll give it everything I’ve got and perform my job well.
As I sit here this morning and consider the culture to which I return, I think about the “light” referenced so often in Scripture. John tells us that God is light and that we should live in the light (1 John 1:5, 7). Jesus also tells his disciples that we are the light of the world and a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). Furthermore, Paul gives us examples of living as children of the light in Ephesians 4 and 5.
Microsoft is a dark place that frequently celebrates sin, and constantly engaged in such an environment can take its toll. World views and priorities clash as there is no fellowship between darkness and light (2 Corinthians 6:14). However, it’s not that the darkness is so great. Instead, it’s that the light is so little. After all, darkness is merely the absence of light.
So I shall return for, in Christ, I too am light. This is why I am here–for much more than to simply earn a paycheck. It’s the sick who need a doctor, and no one lights a candle in the middle of the day, nor do they hide it under a bowl once it’s lit. Neither does anyone any good.
Pray for me. Pray that I will endure and be faithful. Pray that I will be bold in sharing the Gospel. Pray that I will not hinder the light but that my light will shine so that those I work with will see the Father and rejoice. Pray that the darkness will not prevail (Matthew 16:18), but sin will be exposed, and hearts will be surrendered. Pray that God will receive the glory.
