How to Find Meaning in Modern Work

Today, most of us are separated from working with our hands at our jobs. Sometimes, work seems empty because our jobs are disconnected from tangibly blessing others. The fruit of our labor seems distant or feels pointless.

But it’s important to remember how connected our world is. Our economy depends on truck drivers and grocery stockers and financial managers. Meaning can arise from all kinds of jobs if we remember that working for others is a form of love.

As a litmus test, ask yourself, “Does my work reflect what God’s kingdom will look like when Jesus renews creation?”

If not, we’ll consider leaving a job or career.

Genesis has an account of Esau sinning after the Fall, an individual failure. Then, the Bible gives a story about the Tower of Babel and the community's sins. A company might produce bad quality products or services (in addition to suffering from a terrible work culture).

When we work as a team in our job, are we pursuing good things? That’s something you should take to God in prayer.

We cannot separate our faith from our work. And many jobs support good things. Stocking retail, directing a company as a CEO, career counseling kids, and pastoring a small church—all of these can glorify God if done with love and excellence.

We get the chance to reflect the new creation now, to bring our Father’s kingdom here as it is in heaven.

BibleProject puts it like this: “[Work is] not just a return back to the garden; it's a step forward into a new Jerusalem, a great city where human cultures and all their diversity work together in peace and harmony before God.”

Take a moment to trace how your work affects other people, even if you only feel like a “cog” in the machine. Does your company make cars? Help people with their finances?

Are you working with excellence, “as for the Lord and not for men?” (Colossians 3:23).

Are there ways to remind yourself of the greater purpose of your job?

Does the purpose align with God’s kingdom, or is your workplace a veritable Babylon?