Flawed Views of Work: Part I

In the classic faith-at-work book, “Your Work Matters to God” by Doug Sherman and Bill Hendricks the authors discuss three flawed views of work. The first view is “Work and God are mutually exclusive.”

Matt became excited about how his faith might impact his business. But when Matt and his partner discussed their faith becoming more integrated into their business, Matt’s partner became adamantly opposed.

He told Matt, “My father taught me to never mix faith and business.” Matt’s dreams were crushed.

Colossians 3:17 teaches, “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.”

Everyone was placed on this earth by God and for God. Attempting to box him out of your business is both impossible and absurd. He gave you your business and sustains your work. For that reason, it is only natural that faith and your work should exist hand in hand.

God desires you to be all-in at work, not a compartmentalizer who separates their faith and work. The Lord planned on your business and intends to use it for his good.

Questions For Reflection

• Are you uncomfortable with the idea of bringing your faith to work? Why is that? Is your workplace faith friendly?
• How could you make your workplace faith friendly? What are the regulations surrounding freedom of religious expression in your place of work?