Everyone’s job is important to God

Bob Russell Aug. 23, 2019

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A well-known leader of a parachurch organization was once asked why he decided to leave his secular job and enter ministry. He explained that after graduating from college he had been involved in designing and building bridges. However, one day he realized every bridge he built was going to pass away one day. He wanted to be involved in something that mattered for eternity, so he quit his job and entered seminary to study to preach.

Many Christians see their secular jobs like that. As if this is simply a necessity they must tolerate until they can attend the next church activity and deal with matters of “eternal significance.” Some even feel guilty about working in “non-ministry” positions. They reason that if they were really dedicated, they would quit their jobs and get involved in some kind of full-time mission work or church position.

Pastors, if people in your church feel this way, remind them that not everyone is called to work in this kind of setting. There is equally important ministry that can occur in the marketplace throughout the week.

Work matters

In Your Work Matters to God, Doug Sherman and William Hendricks write, 

“Every day, millions go to work without seeing the slightest connection between what they do all day and what they think God wants done in the world. We think your work matters deeply to God.

“It is not something we do apart from God, as the secular world would view it. It is not something beneath God’s dignity and concern as some Christians view it. Work is a major part of human life that God takes very seriously. It has intrinsic value. Through work we serve people, meet our own needs, meet our family’s needs, earn money to give to others, and through work we love God.”
 

Exodus teaches how God equips people with different gifts and ordains people in various occupations. All kinds of craftsman were needed for the construction of the tabernacle. God chose Bezalel and “filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship.” God also gave Bezalel and Oholiab “the ability to teach others” (Exodus 35:31-34).

God called and equipped those construction workers. They were just as important as those who were called to the priesthood. They were challenged to do their work, “just as the Lord commanded” (Exodus 36:1). These skilled craftsmen were partners with God in accomplishing His will.

Called by God

It’s true that God calls some people into paid ministries—be that teaching, preaching, evangelism, or mission work. However, He also equips people to design and build bridges so evangelists and pastors don’t fall into the river and drown on their way to church. The engineers called by God to design bridges are just as important to God’s plan as ministers who preach sermons.

I like how one young woman responded when asked what she did for a living. She said, “I am a missionary for Jesus Christ, cleverly disguised as a checkout clerk at Kroger’s.”

When you grasp this concept, it will revolutionize your attitude toward your work. You are not working just to earn a paycheck or to please your employer, but to serve God and give testimony to your fellow co-workers, associates and customers.

Giving God glory

Once, I saw a sign over a business that read, “H & S Farm Equipment Company—To God Be The Glory!” How inspiring! Someone in that company understood that you go to work for the same reason you go to church: to worship and serve Jesus Christ.

I like the way Paul puts it: “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” (Colossians 3:17). Indeed, wherever we go, Christ should go with us, be that to church, the office, the ballgame or the grocery store.

Photo source: istock 

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Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More »

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