God Is at Work
Work is a good thing. It is something that God has designed us to do. When we work, we participate in what God is doing in the world. We are being creative like God is creative.
In Genesis, we see that after creating the world and everything in it, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). But the work of creation didn't stop there! Throughout the Bible, we see God described as a gardener, constantly tending the world God has made and imagineering new ways to make it more beautiful (Isaiah 40:28, Psalm 104:24).
However, too often, we view work as a necessary evil. We see it as something we must do to make money so we can live modestly and support our families. But work doesn't have to be just about making money. It can be about so much more than that.
When we view work as an opportunity to serve God and others, it takes on a whole new meaning. Like when we view our work as contributing to God's plan to redeem the world.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul likens Christians to builders working on a foundation laid by Jesus himself. Our task is to build upon that foundation so that others may also find refuge in Jesus.
Similarly, in Ephesians 2:10, we are told that we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus to do good works, which He has prepared in advance for us to do. So, even our everyday tasks can take on new meaning when we see them as part of God's greater plan for redemption.
When viewed like that, suddenly, our jobs are not just about punching the clock and collecting a paycheck. Work becomes an opportunity to glorify God and God's character (1 John 4:8).
Work becomes a chance for us to create beauty in the world and bring hope to those struggling (Micah 6:8).
Work becomes a way for us to build relationships and share the love of Jesus with others (Matthew 25:31-46).
The business of being God's people means living out our faith at work. It means seeing our work as a calling from God and an opportunity to serve God and others. Viewing our work through this lens can transform even the most mundane tasks into opportunities for ministry and service!
If you'd like to learn more about doing God's work in the world, I encourage you to explore the resources below and find the ones that speak to you the most. And remember, no matter your occupation, you can use it as an opportunity to serve God and others!
- Steps to Christ: Chapter 9
- Soul Purpose Inc: The Practical Guide to Living Your Faith at Work
- Doing God's Business: Meaning & Motivation for the Marketplace
- God Is at Work
- Great Commission: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions
- The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work and Ministry in Biblical Perspective
- Faith at Work
Pishshapmishko.
Pastor Charles Ed II Aguilar
President, Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference