"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." (Philippians 2:14-16a)

My job in the airline I work for means I get to meet new people almost every time I come to work. The vast majority are warm, friendly and easy to get along with. Very occasionally people make things more difficult than they need to be.

If you work with the same people all the time you may have a great working environment or you may have a more long-term difficulty. But wherever we work, with whoever and whatever the situation, we are called to shine like stars in a dark world.

What might this look like? Working professionally and working well have both got to be up there as being pretty essential to an authentic witness at work. However, we must also be aware of the fragile, human side of our work. We will work with people going through all sorts of different situations - some dreadful, some happy. How we react and deal with different situations will speak volumes about our Saviour; showing genuine compassion, love, forgiveness, joy and camaraderie will be ministering in profound ways ways that simply turning up and doing the job, albeit well, will not. We also will experience the highs and lows of life and still have to work; again, how we react and deal with things will be our witnessing to our loving God, whether we like it or not. Let's make sure that we witness as shining stars.

It is not simply a case of human effort though - we have a gracious God who helps us in even the most difficult circumstances. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

Go to work and shine for the God of peace, without fear.

James Fraser