EL MISTERIO DE HACER TIENDAS

When was the last time you thought of your job as something Holy? Most of us see Monday morning as a necessary evil, something we have to endure to pay the bills. We drag ourselves to work, count the hours until we can leave and secretly wish we were somewhere else. But what if I told you that God sees your workplace differently? What if your office, your workshop, your classroom or your small business is actually the most important Mission Field you will ever step into? (Ecc. 1:1). Think about it. You spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else. You interact with people there who may never step inside a Church. You face challenges, frustrations and opportunities that no one else sees. That is not a coincidence. That is a Divine Appointment. God did not save you just to sit on a Pew every Sunday. He saved you to be His Hands and Feet right where you spend most of your time. Your job is not just a paycheck; it is your Platform to show God's love to a world that desperately needs to see Him.

Now, I know what you might be thinking, "But I am not a pastor. I am not a preacher. How can I do Ministry at work?" Let me tell you something that might surprise you: Ministry is not reserved for people with titles. Jesus Himself spent most of His Time in the Marketplace, not in the Temple. He called fishermen from their nets (Matt. 4:18-22). He told stories about business and investments (Matt. 25:14-30). He healed people in public squares, right in the middle of everyday chaos. And look at Paul. He was a tentmaker. He worked with his hands, not because he had to, but because he wanted to be a Blessing and not a burden (Acts 18:1-3; 1 Thess. 2:9) He understood that his work was not separate from his Ministry but rather was his Ministry. The devil wants you to believe that your job is just a job. He wants you to be so busy making a living that you forget to make a life that matters for Eternity. He wants your career to become an idol that steals all your time and energy. But you can break free from that trap. By God's Wisdom, you can work hard, provide for your family and still fulfill your Calling. Like Paul, you can fight the Good Fight and finish your race (2 Tim.4:7).

Here is another lie many of us have believed: Some claim that Ministry is only for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. But that is simply not true. Paul was both a tentmaker and a Minister. (Acts 18:3) The role of pastors and teachers is to equip you, to prepare you to shine your Light in your own world. Your job, your profession, your daily interactions etc are your platforms. God expects you to use them to reach the lost. Think about Joseph: He was sold into slavery, thrown into prison and eventually became the Prime Minister of Egypt. And in every single place, whether it was Potiphar's house, a prison cell or the palace, he brought God's Influence with him. (Gen. 39-41). He did not wait for a Pulpit to minister. He ministered right where he was. That is what God is calling you to do. Spend about 70% of your week at work? That is not a waste of time but rather that is 70% of your week to be Salt and Light. Whenever you work, do it as if you are working for God, not just for people (Col. 3:23-24) If you are unsure where to serve, ask God to show you the specific area He has called you to influence, whether it is in your Family, your workplace, your community, government, media, arts, business, or education. Every one of those areas needs Genuine Christian believers who will stand firm and shine bright.

King Solomon gave us Timeless Wisdom: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight"(Prov. 3:5-6).

So do not just coast through your work. Gain Knowledge. Develop your skills. Work with Excellence. Let your good work speak for itself. The Holy Bible says, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God" (1Pet. 2:12) Do not be the grumpy Christian who complains all the time. Do not be the dishonest employee who cuts corners. Instead, let your Values shine e.g Honesty, hardwork, Kindness, Integrity and Excellence. These are the things that draw people to God. You can be deeply Spiritual and still be a top professional. Daniel proved that. He served with Excellence in a pagan government but never compromised his Faith. In fact, kings ended up acknowledging the Lord because of him (Dan. 2:47-48) That is the kind of impact God wants you to have. So do not separate your Faith from your work. Let them be one. Your workplace is your Mission Field. Your job is your Ministry.