By Robert J. Tamasy
Years ago, the legendary coach of a pro sports team would start the first practice of each new season with a simple gesture. Holding up an object he would say, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Why did he start this way? The players on his team were professionals. They knew what the ball looked like. However, the highly successful coach understood an important principle: It is helpful to get back to the basics.
Many of us attend conferences, workshops and seminars all designed to refresh and refine knowledge and skills in our chosen profession – to better understand our own ‘football.’ Such “continuing education” can be invaluable in not only surviving but also thriving in a highly competitive marketplace environment.
In a similar way, for those of us who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ, revisiting the “basics” of what the Bible teaches can be very helpful for faithfully representing Him through our workplace pursuits. When I studied journalism in college, we were taught to write articles providing answers to the “five W’s and an H” – Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. Since Monday Manna is translated into many languages, those letters may be different, but principles from the Scriptures are the same:
Who? We typically go to work each day thinking we are working for a boss, a department, or a company. In some respects that is true, but a passage from the Bible says we have an even higher calling: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him…. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:17,23).
What? We all have job titles and descriptions that outline our daily work responsibilities. More than that, we each have unique platforms and spheres of influence through which we can represent Christ and speak to others about Him and what He has done for them. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
When? One of our first responsibilities as followers of Jesus is to teach the truth of the Gospel to our families, whenever we have the opportunity. In a similar way, we are to pray and look for opportunities to tell others about Him any time an opportunity arises. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 66-:7).
Where? We are tempted to think we are to represent Jesus Christ only in religious settings. But He said we represent Him everywhere. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Why? Our desire in working is to earn a living, utilizing our abilities, gifts and talents in the vocation of our choice. There is nothing wrong with that. However, there is an even greater reason for striving to perform our work in a way that honors God. Colossians 3:24 tells us, “…since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
How? Talking with others about Jesus Christ, important as it is, can seem hard, even too difficult. But we do not have to do it alone. Jesus said, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), and the apostle Paul declared, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
© 2026. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard, and numerous other books and magazine articles. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- How often do you revisit the “basics” for what you do in the workplace? Do you attend conferences, seminars or workshops that focus on your vocation? How helpful are they for you?
- If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, how important do you think it is to review the basics of how to be an effective representative or ambassador for Him in the marketplace?
- When do you think it is appropriate to talk with others about faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ? When do you think it is not appropriate to do so?
- What does it mean to rely on Jesus Christ and His strength as we go about our everyday work responsibilities – including times when we have opportunities to talk with others about Him.
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read, consider the following passages: Matthew 25:14-30; Ephesians 6:5-9; Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Challenge for This Week
Take time this week to consider these six questions relating to your work – the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of what you do. Are the answers clear in your mind?
Find someone to share your thoughts with – a close friend, trusted advisor or mentor, or a small group in which you can talk openly and candidly about your motivations, as well as the challenges and struggles you experience in seeking to live and work for Christ.
