As a Christian, it can be easy to feel like your job is separate from your faith. After all, many jobs don’t directly involve spreading the gospel or ministering to others. But the truth is that every job can glorify God in its own way, and as Christians, we have a responsibility to use our SHAPE and skills to serve Him, not only through our career but every aspect of our lives.
If we are representing Jesus in our work, it means there’s value to our work because we are showing the world His character and care—and that’s always part of our witness, which is an important thing. It’s also important to recognize that in representing Jesus, we are fulfilling the purposes He has for ordering the world.
First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that there are jobs that glorify God beyond those in full-time ministry. In fact, every job has the potential to honor God, whether you’re a teacher, plumber, lawyer, IT professional, or anything in between.
When Jesus was a carpenter, He did a job with excellence. He reflected the character and care of his Father when He was a good carpenter. He’s making sure that the job reflects diligence, honesty, and integrity. By working hard and doing your best, you can reflect God’s character to those around you and be a witness for Christ in your workplace.
Another way to use your job to glorify God is by intentionally building relationships with your co-workers and sharing the gospel with them. While it’s important to be respectful and professional in your interactions with others, don’t be afraid to share your faith when appropriate. Your actions and words can have a powerful impact on those around you, and you never know who might be open to hearing about Jesus or who might notice you go about things in a different manner than most.
One Bible verse that speaks to the importance of working for God’s glory is Colossians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse reminds us that our work should be done with excellence and a sense of purpose, not just to earn a paycheck or please our bosses. By seeing our work as an opportunity to serve God and others, we can find greater fulfillment and joy in our careers.
If it’s my calling to reflect Christ, then the theology of the cross takes over. I sacrifice for the good of others, and in doing so, I actually find joy that God is using my sacrifice, my gifts, my calling, to make Jesus better known. And that’s hard, but it’s not bad. It’s something we actually can rejoice in.
If you’re struggling to see the connection between your job and your faith, a great resource to check out is the book “Your Work Matters to God” by Doug Sherman. In this book, Sherman explores how different careers can be used to serve God and offers practical tips for integrating your faith into your work. He also discusses the ways in which our jobs can be a form of worship and service to God, and how we can find meaning and purpose in our careers.
Ultimately, the message is clear: your work matters to God. Your work reflects God’s glory every day, just like every area of your unique life. As a Christian, you have a unique opportunity to use your career to serve Him and make a difference in the lives of those around you. Whether you’re a CEO or a janitor, a doctor or a musician, you can find ways to honor God in your job and make an impact for His kingdom.