Intentional Light by Ashley Anderson

We all have the best of intentions, don’t we? I can think of several examples of situations where I started out with great intentions that quickly took a turn for the worst. As I reflect back on one particular situation, I find myself shaking my head in disappointment and regret for allowing my good intentions to go bad for so long.

It was my first “big girl” job. I was fresh out of college, eager to be a “real” adult and learn something new. It started out great; I put a lot of effort into my work and always went the extra mile. But after awhile, reality set in: the job was a dud; boring and insignificant. I decided over and over that I needed to just be thankful the Lord had provided work for me. I decided to work really hard because that’s what I was called to do as a follower of Christ. I would use this opportunity to show and share with all my co-workers the love of Jesus… great intentions that, unfortunately, fell by the wayside.

I quickly became complacent. I did the minimum amount of work, started complaining often, and worst of all, I started being mean to and gossiping about annoying co-workers (ok come on- we ALL have them!). I knew I was in the wrong but it was way easier to be on the path of darkness rather than the path of light.

One day, one of my co-workers asked me out-of-the-blue if my boyfriend (now fiancé) and I had had sex. I admitted that, even after being together for 3 years, we were both committed to waiting until we were married. She was shocked. I could not believe that something so important to me would actually surprise another human being. I was humbled and quickly reminded of my good intentions from the early months of the job and the purpose the Lord had for me there. This co-worker began asking great questions about God and the Christian faith and I was able to answer her questions and share my testimony. I knew I had to stay consistent in the truths I was sharing with her and I began to work harder and more diligently and I stopped gossiping and complaining about co-workers. I knew she saw something different in me and I wanted to live up to that standard as much as I could.

Don’t get me wrong- I did not always succeed. Honestly, I probably failed more often than not. But when I left that job, I felt like God had needed and used me there and that my intentions to be a light to even one person were fulfilled.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,  and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14 & 16 

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So, how does your current job compare to the “dud” job?   Haha! 100% better (and not just because my boss is reading this)! I love my job and the fact that most days I eat lunch at my desk while working because there is always something to do. The best part is- I no longer feel like my work is insignificant, but rather deeply impacting the kingdom of God. And those annoying co-workers are long gone! I work with the BEST people that love Jesus and understand grace.

Do you keep up with that one particular co-worker? I’m surprised myself to be able to say that in fact- I do! And I now consider her far more than just a past co-worker but also a friend. I love that we are able to maintain our relationship from so far and that she continues to help me strive to stick to my good intentions.

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