Purpose and faith in the workplace
The first institution in the Bible is work. Not necessarily your job or career per se, but your “work.”
Your work includes your family, your vocation, your ministry and yes—for many of us—the jobs and careers that provide us with the resources to live.
In Genesis 2, even before Eve is given to Adam, God has work for Adam to do. And the institution of work precedes the Fall. So, our work is meant to be good for us and others. If you struggle to find purpose in your work, then ask God to redeem it, along with every other facet of your life.
Paul penned the classic verses on our purpose in the workplace in Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
But how does one do this?
Recognize that God “worked”—in the initial acts of creation and in sustaining it ever since. And He calls us to work—as those made in His image—from the Creation Mandate to the Great Commission’s call to make disciples and disciple-makers.
God is good, so His benevolence extends to our work and our places of work. Find purpose for your work—in light of His purposes for you.
Look to minister to those around you—customers, peers and bosses. Work to create value in what you do—as we emulate God who created value in turning darkness and chaos into light, order and beauty.
Photo source: istock
More on Faith in the Workplace
- There are no excuses for not sharing your faith (by Tom Crenshaw)
- Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry (by )
- Why politically driven CEOs are prone to breaking the rules (by Christian Muntean)
- At work…on two jobs! (by WorkLife Success)
