Faith and Work

I ran across the book, “Missions Disrupted” a couple of months ago, which proposed the idea of cultivating the resource of professionals on mission.  As God has a way of connecting things, I’ve run across several other website, books, blogs, etc., on the subject of Faith and Work since then. What follows is my understanding of what most of these resources have to say on this topic.  I’ve found this intriguing, encouraging, true, and perspective changing.

Most of us, spend a great deal of time at work, and it’s easy to feel like faith seems to fit best at church. But, the truth is, God cares about all of life, including the office, classroom, workshop, or wherever we spend our days. So what does it mean to have our faith follow us into our daily work? Here are some key points from some of the resources I've read recently;

Your Work is a Calling

Work is more than just earning money. It’s part of who we are as people made in God’s image. God worked when He created the world, and we reflect Him when we build, teach, serve, and create. Every job has value when done with love and care.

• Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people.”

Sacred and Secular are not separate

Many people think only pastors or missionaries do “God’s work.” But the Bible shows that all work can honor God. Whether you are a nurse, builder, or manager, or stay-at-home mom, your work is part of His plan. Everything we do can become worship as we do it for Him.

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

The Gospel Shapes Our Work

The way we treat people at work shows what we believe. Choosing humility, honesty, kindness, and forgiveness shows Christ’s love. When we work hard, serve others, or respond with grace, we share the gospel through our deeds.

• Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Rest is Essential

Faithful work also means faithful rest. In a world that praises busyness, stopping to rest is a way of trusting God. Rest reminds us that He is in control and that our value comes from Him, not from how much we do.

• Exodus 20:8–10 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.”

If you’ve ever thought your work doesn’t matter, remember: in God’s hands, every small act of faithfulness counts. The way you answer an email, handle stress, or help a coworker can shine His light.

Your “daily grind” is not separate from your faith — it is part of it. Each day, you have the chance to honor God through your work and show His love to others.

So tomorrow, when you clock in or walk into your workplace, remember: you’re not just going to work — you’re stepping into worship.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people.” – Colossians 3:23

References:

·  Lai, P. (2019). Workship: Recalibrate work and worship. Littleton, CO: William Carey Publishing.

·  Chapman, R., & Tafilowski, R. (2024). Faithful work: In the daily grind with God and for others. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

·  Keller, T., & Alsdorf, K. L. (2012). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God’s work. New York, NY: Dutton.

·  Piper, J. (2003). Don’t waste your life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books