When Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, many took note not just of his historic rise, but also of his quiet boldness in expressing his Hindu faith. He took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita and openly celebrated Diwali at Downing Street. Though not a Christian, his example was a powerful reminder: personal faith can be integrated into public life.

If someone in one of the world’s most scrutinized offices can be open about their belief system, why do many Christians in business, politics, and other professional spaces feel the need to hide theirs?
This article is a call to Christians: don’t hide your identity. Live out your faith confidently in the marketplace.

The Marketplace Is a Mission Field

For many, “ministry” is limited to what happens in church buildings or mission fields abroad. But Scripture reveals a much broader view. God is interested not only in the sacred but also in the secular. He places His people in offices, boardrooms, classrooms, construction sites, and studios—not just pews.

Daniel served in government. Joseph managed Egypt’s economy. Lydia was a businesswoman. Paul made tents. Jesus Himself worked as a carpenter before launching into full-time ministry. The marketplace has always been one of God’s primary arenas for influence.

The Call to Shine

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This is not a suggestion—it is a mandate. Christians are called to shine, not shrink. We are not meant to compartmentalize our faith, separating the spiritual from the professional. Faith should fuel our work ethic, shape our integrity, and inform our leadership.

Why Do Christians Hide Their Faith?

Despite this call, many believers go silent in their workplace. Why?

• Fear of judgment or exclusion
• Worry about being seen as unprofessional or preachy
• Uncertainty about how to express faith appropriately

Yet, hiding faith can result in missed opportunities—for influence, encouragement, and witness. It also communicates that following Jesus is only relevant in private life, which undermines the transformative power of the gospel.

Faith Does Not Mean Preaching at Work

Living out your faith doesn’t mean turning your office into a pulpit. It means integrating biblical principles into your everyday work life:

• Integrity when no one’s watching
• Excellence in your duties
• Compassion in how you treat others
• Peace in how you handle stress and setbacks
• Wisdom in decision-making

And when opportunities arise to speak about your faith—whether during a lunch break, in a crisis, or over coffee—take them with grace and humility (1 Peter 3:15).

God Uses the Marketplace to Shape You—and Others

Your workplace is not just a place for income. It’s a place for impact and growth.

• It refines your character
• It tests your faith in real-world challenges
• It opens doors to influence people who might never walk into a church

Your witness in the marketplace may be the only gospel someone sees. The way you lead, serve, and respond to pressure can open hearts and spark curiosity about the hope you carry.

Being Faithful Where You Are

You don’t need a new platform to honour God. Start with where you already are.

• If you’re a teacher, teach with love and truth
• If you’re a manager, lead with integrity and grace
• If you’re a student, be a light in your classroom
• If you’re in politics, advocate for justice and righteousness
• If you run a business, model ethical practices and servant leadership

Your faith isn’t a liability—it’s your greatest asset. God has placed you where you are for a purpose.

Conclusion

Rishi Sunak’s example reminds us that faith can have a place in public leadership. But for Christians, this truth runs even deeper: we are called to live for Christ in every area of life—including the marketplace.
Let us not hide who we are. Let us be bold, not arrogant; humble, not ashamed; faithful, not fearful.

The world needs more Christians who are willing to stand tall, live well, and shine brightly where God has placed them.

Abiola Fajimi is a chartered accountant and tax practitioner. He works as Managing Partner at PML Professional Services, an indigenous accounting firm based in Nigeria. On campus, he served as Follow-Up School Principal and UJCM Organizing Secretary. He is happily married and blessed with children.

Image Credit:  Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash

Never is His intent to see us beat down and despondent
Never is His will to see us sick
For His joy is our strength, healing the children’s bread
We are Citizens of the City of God Almighty
And His thoughts towards us are good always
Arise and Shine!

Though our bodies in a fallen state
But redeemed from the curse of the law
The corruptible waiting earnestly to be clothed with the incorruptible
Our Souls being renewed as we make choices not to conform to the world
Our Spirit made alive and anew
Arise and Shine!

Our enemy, the adversary of the Sons of God
Seeks who he may devour, daring to twist “The Word” in his wiles
Challenges the Light with his crooked lie, “Has God really said?”
But he has lost the battle for our Spirit
For our light is The Word and darkness cannot grasp it
Arise and Shine!

The enemy brings memories of our past
Telling us we are not worthy of being loved
But Christ paid the price, making us a new creature
The old is gone; His Precious Blood, our liberty!
Sin has lost its power over the redeemed, no longer to weigh us down
Arise and Shine!

Do you know Him as Lord and Saviour?
Have you surrendered all to Him?
Do you believe His Word in all circumstances?
He is at the door, knocking and waiting for your response
He “agapes” you!
Arise and Shine!

Oyeyemi Olufidipe served in PISTIS and also on the Alumni ExCo. He is married with kids, does his thing in the IT space and loves “being a blessing”

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