How to Glorify God in Your Job

Now that we have a foundation in how to find meaning and purpose in work through God’s call, we can look to practical application.

Pastor Bob Thune presents a helpful list in his article series “A Theology of Work.” He writes that work is glorified when we:

• Submit to our authorities in work (1 Timothy 6:1).
• Approach work prayerfully (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Treat our coworkers with love and respect (Luke 6:31).
• Work with integrity (Psalm 15).
• Put our full effort into work (Colossians 3:23–24).

There are plenty more we could add: Do not gossip, do not be a sluggard, be generous, be wary of burnout, be humble, communicate truthfully, do not envy others, and do not grumble.

In other words, the Bible’s teaching about how we live applies to work just like it does everywhere else. Even layoffs, as Timothy Keller points out in Every Good Endeavor, can be done lovingly.

These principles alone give us a lifetime of growth and sanctification in Christ. We will never work perfectly, but as we submit our lives to Christ, we will grow closer and closer to perfect work that reflects the coming New Creation.

In addition to becoming more like Christ in day-to-day work, we can also grow in our careers. We move toward fulfilling work. Let’s not save up for retirement to do what we really want to do. Do it now. Or, at least, do it as soon as wisely possible.

Make the transition with courage, knowing that God calls you according to your gifts and that if it doesn’t work out, your identity isn’t placed there anyway.

Pray over your work. Reflect on the past day, then week, then month, then year.

Have you respected coworkers? Have you worked hard? Do you overwork yourself and neglect your family?

Go through the list, prayerfully asking the Lord to reveal sin. Then, confess those sins to Jesus, asking for forgiveness from others when necessary.

Then, prayerfully ask if the Lord would move you someplace else. If not, pray that he would move to a place of contentedness and enjoyment.

If you’re between jobs, pray for a peaceful heart, for “daily bread,” knowing that he cares for you even if it feels like he doesn’t (Matthew 10:29–30). Fight through the hardship with faith, leaning on him, and pray for a gift beyond your wildest dreams. God loves to give his children good things.

Seek counsel from other wise believers, and remember that your identity rests in Christ.

Whether jobless, stuck in something not ideal, or thriving with your gifts, we can glorify God through our work.