We spend so much of our time at work that it's important that we do something that will give us joy, something that will enable us to honour God and align us with the values of our faith.
Our work doesn't have to have direct link to the church for us to serve God and represent Christ.
If we work in a coffee shop or a bank, we might not consider our conduct to have any connection with our faith. But something as simple as genuinely inquiring about someone's day or taking extra time to deal with a customer's query can act as an exhibition of Christ-like love in a society where people are often so inward looking and busy to spare their time or thought.
The Bible teaches us that we will be rewarded for our hard work, that we should honour God in all that we do and that work can be something with spiritual purpose. After all, God worked to create life (Genesis 2:3), Jesus worked (John 5:16) and Adam was sent to work in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).
Of course, it's a lot easier to thank and honour God when we're doing a job that we enjoy, and when our colleagues and clients are pleasant and satisfied with the service that we provide.
But whether or not this is the case, our primary focus should be whether God would be pleased with our conduct.
If you're having a hard time realising the value of your work and understanding how you can serve God as you serve your customers, the Bible can help you discover what attitude you should adopt in the workplace.
These seven verses are just a sample of the biblical guidance on how much effort we should put into our work and why.
Colossians 3:17 – "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Proverbs 14:23 – "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
2 Timothy 2:6-7 – "The hard-working farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."
Colossians 3:23-24 – "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Psalm 90:17 – "May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands."
Romans 12:11-12 – "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."
