He was riding next to me on an airplane when he made that statement. We had been having the polite conversation about where we were from and what we did for a living. I even think he enjoyed what he did for a living, but he did not enjoy the fact that he felt like he had to work. He just could not see a reason or purpose for it. I hear the same thing each spring around college graduation. Conversations about getting a job and starting a career seem as if life is over and it is drudgery and “nose to the grindstone” from then on.

But Christians view our jobs differently because God does. We believe there is a reason and purpose for our labor. It is not to work so we can have bigger and better things: houses, cars, bank accounts, toys. Nor is the goal of our career to attain prestige and power. We do not let a job define who we are, nor do we see it as the most important thing we do. It is not how we measure success. Work is a way to make a living, not how to make a life. But we do believe there is a reason and purpose for our jobs.

  1. It is a way to provide for the needs of our families. We see our jobs as a gift from God that enables us to provide food, clothing, and shelter for those that depend on us.
  2. Work is a way to honor God and show Jesus. We do not work for our boss, but as if we are working for the Lord. We strive to be honest, dependable, and effective. Our work reputation is not about us, but about how we represent God.
  3. Income allows us to do things for the sake of the kingdom of God. We are able to help those in our community of faith who have basic needs. It allows us to help others in our town and in our world who do not have the basic necessities of life. We are able to support people who give their lives to telling others about Jesus. We use what God gives us to help others.

Going to work is one way of fulfilling God's purpose in my life.
Yes, we get tired and sometimes work is a job. But it is never just a job. It has purpose, just like everything in our lives. So if you would like to discuss a different perspective on work… or on life, write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)