40 Faces, 40 Places: A Devotional JourneySample

Daniel from Cambridgeshire

Sometimes whole-life discipleship looks like painting to the glory of God.

My name is Daniel, and I’m a father of two boys. I’ve been a Christian for 26 years and a painter and decorator for a year longer than that. I believe every aspect of our life is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, so I try to conduct my business in a way that brings Him glory.

I have a good reputation and am blessed not to need advertising. I hope people see honesty in all of my dealings with them. For example, I pass on the discounts I receive to customers. Hopefully, they know that money isn’t the biggest issue for me. I’m also often left alone in people’s houses, and they trust me not to snoop through their personal things. I’m hopefully not envious, nosy, or a thief. I try to carry out my work to the highest standard possible and show the goodness of God’s gifts to me through my hands.

The best part of being in people’s homes is that I get to build relationships with them. I’ve been able to share the gospel with some of my customers. I always let them know I’m a Christian and try to bring a Christian worldview into our conversations. I see my role as a missionary to those who employ me.

Reflection

From the very beginning of the Bible, our creative God gives us creative work to do. Work is hard since sin entered the world, but we can still do it to the glory of God. What might that look like for me?

It’s encouraging and challenging to read Daniel’s approach to his work. For him, everything comes under the Lordship of Christ, and this is more than enough motivation for him to aim for the highest standard. It’s no wonder that there are some positive reputational bonuses for him as a result. His customers have learned to trust his finished work, honesty, and presence in their homes. Daniel operates with a missionary mindset to bring glory to God through painting and decorating. The combination of letting people know he’s a Christian and letting them see his diligent approach to work opens up conversations.

Prayer

Whatever I am doing today, LORD, help me keep a missionary mindset. May I do my tasks diligently and in a way that brings You glory.