Earlier, I was invited to speak at a counseling class at the Asian Theological Seminary by my good friend Atty. Daniel Guingundo, who teaches the course on top of his many other duties. It was a joy to spend time with future pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders—people who will one day walk with others through the complexities of real life.

As I was preparing for that class, I realized something: This is not just a topic for seminary students.

Everything I was planning to share applies just as much—sometimes even more—to those who spend most of their week in the workplace.

So I decided to write this blog, not just as a summary of what I taught that day, but as a reflection for anyone who wants to live out their faith in the everyday world of deadlines, meetings, pressure, and people.

We Spend Most of Our Lives at Work

When Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16 ESV), He wasn’t speaking to people inside a sanctuary. He was speaking to people who lived in the marketplace—ordinary men and women who earned a living, raised families, dealt with stress, and navigated their own struggles.

Today, it’s the same for us.

Work is not separate from faith.

Work is a major place where faith is expressed.

The workplace is where your character is tested the most—and where the Gospel can shine the brightest.

Below are some of the lessons I shared in the ATS class, now shaped into a practical, biblical guide for all of us who desire to be salt and light where God has placed us.

1. Work With Excellence

I’ve said this many times in my seminars: excellence is worship.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

— Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

When you show up prepared, when you honor deadlines, when you deliver quality work even when no one is watching—your work becomes an offering to God.

People notice excellence.

And excellence opens doors for influence.

2. Live With Integrity

Salt preserves. Integrity stops decay.

In the workplace, this means:

• Tell the truth even if it costs you.
• Refuse to manipulate numbers.
• Avoid gossip and office politics.
• Do the right thing even if no one applauds you for it.

Scripture says,

“Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

than one who is crooked in speech.”

— Proverbs 19:1 (ESV)

Integrity is a quiet sermon—but it is one people don’t forget.

3. Be a Peacemaker

Workplaces are filled with pressure and conflict. A peaceful person stands out.

Paul reminds us,

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

— Romans 12:18 (ESV)

Being a peacemaker looks like:

• Staying calm in tense moments.
• Choosing grace over harshness.
• Bringing solutions, not more drama.
• Listening before reacting.

When everyone else is stressed and anxious, peace becomes a powerful testimony.

4. Serve With Humility

I reminded the class at ATS that leadership in God’s kingdom always looks like service.

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”

— Mark 10:45 (ESV)

Humility in the workplace is practical:

• Help people even when it’s not your job.
• Give credit where it is due.
• Treat everyone with dignity—from guards to executives.
• Be willing to do small things without complaining.

People remember kindness long after they forget titles.

5. Speak Words That Build

Your words can preserve, and they can illuminate.

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”

— Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

Gracious speech means:

• Encouraging others when they’re overwhelmed.
• Avoiding sarcasm and negativity.
• Giving gentle correction when needed.
• Praying before important conversations.

A well-timed word can change someone’s day—and sometimes their direction.

6. Live With a Higher Purpose

When we lose sight of our purpose, we lose our saltiness. When we hide our identity, our light dims.

Jesus said,

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…”

— Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Your job is important, but it is not your identity.

Your title matters, but it is not your calling.

Your workplace is more than a place to earn a salary—it’s a place to represent Christ.

7. Share Christ With Gentleness

In the ATS class, we discussed how sharing our faith doesn’t need to be loud or aggressive. In the workplace, it’s often quiet, relational, and Spirit-led.

Peter writes,

“Always be prepared to make a defense… yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

— 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

You share Christ when you:

• Listen without judgment.
• Pray for colleagues going through tough times.
• Share your story, not your superiority.
• Invite people when you’ve already earned trust.

People open their hearts when they feel seen, not pushed.

8. Handle Success With Humility and Generosity

God blesses us not to inflate us, but to empower us to bless others.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

— James 4:6 (ESV)

Success becomes a platform for:

• Lifting others up.
• Giving generously.
• Sharing opportunities.
• Influencing with compassion, not ego.

Humility makes success meaningful.

9. Steward Your Finances Well

This is something I emphasize often: your financial life is a testimony.

“It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

— 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)

Being financially wise—saving, avoiding debt traps, giving generously—shows people that your values are shaped by something deeper than materialism.

10. Stay Rooted in God’s Word and Prayer

Before we can shine in the workplace, the light must shine in us.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

— Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

Spend time in Scripture.

Pray before work.

Commit your plans to the Lord.

Let the Holy Spirit shape your character day by day.

Salt and light flow from a heart anchored in God.

Some thoughts…

My session at ATS reminded me that faith is not confined to classrooms, pulpits, or church buildings. Faith is lived out in the everyday world—in offices, stores, clinics, banks, factories, and wherever God places us.

Being salt and light in the workplace is not about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about showing the love, wisdom, peace, and integrity of Christ in ordinary moments.

In a world full of pressure and confusion, you can be someone who brings clarity, hope, and grace—simply by living out your calling where you already are.