I just finished Tim Keller’s book Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work. I appreciated this book because it showed the importance of seeing the value in our careers regardless if you are in corporate or ministry.
Tim gave an example of a doorman at an apartment in New York, who was known by the residents for his positive attitude and how he took pride in helping people. He took the initiative to learn the residents’ name and when asked why he took so much pride in his work, he mentioned how it’s the people in the building that he cares about.
When I read this story, it reminded me of the security guard at my employer who knows every employee by name. He is the first person you will see in the morning and he makes sure the elevator is waiting for you. He takes pride in the people at the office. He brings joy early in the morning. When he is not there, you miss his presence. He simply radiates with Christ’s love.
Colossians 3:23 says “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
It is so easy to get bogged down in the day to day tasks that you find yourself losing joy in what brought you to work. When you’re constantly listening to people complain, surrounded by deadlines and work politics, it’s hard to find the energy to press on but what if we truly approached work as it is unto the Lord? Not to make our boss look good or to make the company more money, but if we can commit to walking in the light every day so that those who may not know God will sense something different through our presence.
Work can be a part of your ministry if you choose to work unto the Lord. There may be someone on the job who may only know Christ through you. There may be people who need to see an example of a servant leader. Or maybe that company needs your help to bring a new sense of purpose.
There are so many reasons as to why God has you where you are, but friends, know that it is on purpose. Let’s be committed to working smart and intentionally being the salt and light in the workplace.
3 Comments
I love the story of the security guard being intentional about knowing each person’s name. That is amazing especially in today’s work society of climbing the career ladder and all. It adds a humility to working with a heart that is focused on others and not oneself.
Thanks for sharing.
I needed to be reminded today. I get so bogged down in all the things of life, but I need to do it all as unto the Lord! Thank you!
Finding joy in the day to day moments is such a good practice. We all need help remembering that joy is not an emotion but a fruit of the spirit. Thanks for sharing!