Marketplace Ministry Masterclassಮಾದರಿ

Kingdom Influence

One of our key responsibilities in the marketplace is to express God’s Kingdom in a way that influences people, places, and environments, leading them to experience and engage with the goodness of God. In Gensis 39 we read about Joseph, a slave, being promoted to overseer of Potiphar’s house, because of his integrity and excellence. Joseph hadn’t chosen his work circumstances, and they certainly weren’t ideal, and yet his work ethic resulted in blessing for himself and those around him. Like Joseph, you carry God’s presence with you at work, and He has positioned you to influence and bless those around you.

Joseph’s story challenges us to consider how our actions, attitudes, and approaches in our professional environments reflect God’s Kingdom. We might not always have the chance to verbally share our faith, but our conduct – our integrity, our work ethic, and the quality of our interactions – speaks volumes about the grace and favour of God in our lives. Perhaps if you’re prone to complaining, cutting corners, procrastinating, losing your temper, leaving early, or arriving late, you could decide to start doing one thing, tomorrow, to conduct yourself at work in a manner worthy of the Kingdom.

Luke tells us that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and people. He had ultimate Kingdom influence! This should fill us with hope and excitement, knowing that no matter how small or large our current sphere of influence is, we can, by the grace of God, see it expand. We’re living for someone far greater than ourselves, and so the influence we carry isn’t for personal gain: it’s for advancing God’s Kingdom on earth.

Consider these practical ways we can engage with and expand our influence before both God and people:

Influence before God: (1) deepening intimacy with God, (2) aligning with God’s Kingdom assignment, and (3) trusting and yielding to the Holy Spirit (moving from self-promotion to surrender).

Influence before people: (1) growing in competence and mastery (because competence breeds influence), (2) consistently bringing your best efforts daily, to build trust, and (3) exceeding expectations (your influence will increase when you underpromise and overdeliver).

To influence our marketplace environments for the glory of God, we don’t necessarily need to start a lunchtime Bible study (though we could). Rather, we’d do well to think creatively and innovatively about how God might choose to bring His influence through us. Take a moment to reflect on your current work environment. How is God calling you to expand your influence? How might you do your job more excellently? Thank God: you’re a Kingdom ambassador, and through you, God’s influence can reach every corner of your marketplace. May you joyfully embrace this responsibility, knowing your work is not in vain but is part of God’s wondrous plan to bring His Kingdom to earth.