Author:  Helen Mitchell

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Your job is a place to….

…get to know God better (worship)

….connect with other believers (fellowship)

…grow spiritually (discipleship)

…use your talents to serve others (ministry)

…show and tell God’s love (mission)

Your greatest influence is at work – For most people, their greatest influence is at work.

• You influence your co-workers when you express your viewpoint as you work together on projects. 
• You influence your employer in how you perform your tasks.  Excellent work is the platform for influence. 
• You influence your industry by the decisions you make. 
• You influence others around you by how you live your life. 

Your work has eternal significance – You have been given talents and opportunities to represent God's interests daily in marketplace decisions, no matter your job, level, or title.  Everyday we all have choices to make. Some days are easier than others, but God promises that everything we do—whether big or small, noticed or not—will one day come before him. 

So rest assured that the next time you sacrifice your time and desire to get back to work in order to refill the paper in the copy machine for the next person—God will notice.  When you help a co-worker with a problem outside your specific work assignment—God will notice. When you make a difficult, but right decision in favor of your client at the expense of your own profit—God will notice.

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”  Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NIV)

You were made to work for more than a paycheck - You were made to work on purpose.

1. My work has purpose – I was made to work on purpose
   Jesus:  “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”  John 17:4 (NIV)

It does not matter if you are pouring concrete, managing people, answering a telephone, or running a company, God has a purpose for your work. It is part of a greater plan. Your work has eternal significance. It’s all for the glory of God.  A teacher may be the one who plants a seed in one small mind that ultimately brings the child to Christ.  Or you may be the only example of Christ that person on the other end of the phone may experience in a given day. 

2. I am shaped for work - Christ saved me for a work that is good.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us...”  Romans 12:6a

God has work for you to do and plans in everything that you do.  Those natural talents you have to be organized, strategic, relational, supportive and encouraging, good with numbers or able to lead – those are skills God chose just for you to use wherever you go.  God intends you to use those skills, talents, and abilities in your job for his glory and your joy.

3. My work is worship to God - God is the only purpose worth working for.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23 – 24 (NIV) 

Serve an audience of one, don’t compare yourself with the world, and make the Lord smile by honoring him with and through your work that he made you to do.

4. My work allows me to fellowship – I spend time with God’s children

"…Encourage one another and build each other up..."  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

It’s not only in the small group environment that we fellowship but it’s also in the day-to-day actions with our coworkers.  Having a connection with other believers in the workplace creates a bond that makes your work more purposeful and meaningful. 

5. My work teaches discipleship – It helps me become more like Christ.

“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?”  Luke 16:11 – 12 (NIV)

The problems and frustrations we encounter at work help refine and develop our character.  We can demonstrate responsibility in what we are given or being asked to do.  We demonstrate responsibility in the wise use of resources.. 

6. My work is my ministry - I work for Christ's Kingdom.

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:4 – 5 (NIV)

Your workplace is surely the one place you will find people in need of Jesus’ love, his message of salvation and with a desire to grow deeper in God’s word. 

7. My work is my mission - My work is an extension of my church’s outreach.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  Acts 1:8 (NIV)

The work of God is not just for the church, but includes the people who work and serve in their communities and workplaces.  Your mission field ranges from your neighborhood to the world—to the co-worker right next to you.   

                                                        

                                                                      Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
 

1.    As you go about your work day, look at it from God’s perspective and take notice of both the little and the big things you do.  How does looking at your work through God’s eyes change how you show up to work?

2.    What beliefs do you need to let go of in order to embrace the idea that God has placed you in your place of work for his glory, your joy, and his benefit? 

3.  If you are not currently in a workplace small group, would you consider starting one with two or more co-workers who want to learn how to be more like Christ in the workplace?  Explore what it means to apply your faith to your work.