Cultivate a Life of ImpactSample

CULTIVATE A MINDSET OF WORK AS WORSHIP

God is at work in us and through us. Working with this view transforms our work into an act of worship. Work becomes the way in which the whole church is commissioned to make a difference in the entire world. Work is both deeply divine and deeply human. It is a tangible act that reveals a human-divine partnership in creation. Work is not a curse and not a consequence of the fall. Rather, work is a human activity that flows from God’s delegated stewardship mandate over creation.

Exodus 20:9 (ESV) provides this godly mandate –

‘Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.’

God gives us the creative capacity, wisdom, and tools to work. God took pleasure in the physical aspect of His creation. In the same way, we can delight in creating useful and excellent products and services. Business and enterprise form the institution that creates and sustains wealth for a just society. Work is part of God’s intention for the individual for the sake of the community and society. The Bible has much to say about ethical and fair dealing in work and business. The Bible’s idea of stewardship encompasses the care of creation and the responsibility of personal stewardship of both our talents and our wealth. The workplace provides an opportunity for those talented in enterprise and others to use their gifts in service to others as unto the Lord. Business provides multiple opportunities to glorify God.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV) is clear in this regard –

‘And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.’

The calling to follow Christ lies at the root of every other calling, be it vocational or serving in general. It makes sense to include God in our conversations about our profession or work. Work has a God-given power and potential for good in the world. We believe in the faithful and fruitful presence of believers in the Body of Christ. As the gospel saturates a region, generosity is reimagined, Sunday’s faith is connected to Monday’s work, the poor are empowered and commerce is reimagined for the common good.

Work was His idea from the start. Things change for the better when we engage. Your work matters.

Two questions to ask yourself today –

1. To what degree do you consider work to be worship?
2. Which area of work needs to be aligned with Christ’s perspective of work?

Our prayer –

Father God, work is worship. This is the place where the divine meets humanity. Thank You for the privilege to co-labor and reign with You. I surrender my workplace to You. I declare today that my work is another opportunity to worship You.