My buddy, Paul, spent an entire summer in a chicken costume. His job description was simple: “Draw attention to yourself and our restaurant.” Paul loved his job!

Maybe you don’t love your job as much as Paul loved his. Ultimately, one word makes all the difference with our work: PURPOSE. Whether you are a student, businessman, stay-at-home parent or volunteer, you need a grand purpose for your work. There are more ways to honor God with your work than you might realize:

1.  Make the world better.

God created us to work, and he uses our work to provide care for others.

“For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat (Psalm 147:13-14). 

How does God strengthen the gates? How does he secure the borders? How does he provide a healthy crop? The answer: The gate-maker, the guard and the farmer. Yes, God is our Provider, but he uses workers to make the world better.  Martin Luther wrote, “God masks his provision for us through the hands of farmers, workers, caretakers of civilization.”

It’s a tragedy to believe that only the preacher and missionary can honor God. This leads to dualism, which Luther railed against:

“The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses
on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”

Let faith fuel your great work, which cares for mankind.

2.  Shine a light.

The Great Commission doesn’t get tossed aside at work; it puts on flesh.

Some of you know Christ because a co-employee cared enough of Jesus and you to serve you, earn your trust and invite you. You didn’t feel threatened. You felt loved.

Your work need not be obnoxiously “Christianese” to honor God. But you can’t honor God without being a light in your work environment. So be a light with actions and words.

3.  Commit to Biblical ethics.

When King Josiah launched a massive project, he had these words to say about his chosen managers: “They need not account for the money entrusted to them, because they are honest with their dealings” (II Kings 22:7).

You honor God when you place Biblical ethics above your own interests. You may score worse on the test, you may not make the sale, you may not get the promotion, you may lose your job, but you will declare who rules your life.

Do you pledge your allegiance to God or to your work?

Regardless of your work, I pray you find purpose today. Honor God with your work.

 

*Also see Isaiah 28:24-29 Exodus 31:1-4
Related Post: A life-changing verse about work
Sermon Series: (Taking Care of Business: A Theology of Work, Money and Rest.)

Brian Jennings honor God purpose work