The Christian person can answer, ‘I am a child of God, loved and accepted by him, part of his family forever.’ If that is where our identity is grounded, then if we suffer failure at work we can be sad yet not crushed, and if we succeed at work we can be glad but not become overbearingly proud. We have a firm foundation to fall back on, an identity that is not based on what we do. This way we stay grounded and will not be constantly swayed by our circumstances. 

 

Secondly, our faith gives meaning and purpose to working. It is God who commissions us to work, and it is God who we serve in our work. In Genesis 1:28 we see that God gave us work to do that is part of the blessing that he bestowed upon humanity. So in working as God would have us do, we are fulfilling the purposes for which God made us in the act of creation. Even the most menial of jobs can have meaning if it is done towards the glory of God, and as part of the fulfilment of God’s command to sustain, develop and utilise the creation. 

 

Lastly, our work fosters spiritual growth. Work is one of the primary ways that God uses to shape our character. If we pay attention to what God is doing through our work, it might teach us to be patient and compassionate with others, who frustrate or annoy us. We may need to learn not to exercise authority harshly over others or take advantage of our position, but to oversee them for their benefit. Or, as 1 Peter 2:19 tells us, we might have to bear up with unjust suffering like Christ did, but God sees and commends us. 

 

Our work provides us with many opportunities to do good to those around us. A good question to ask yourself is: who has God called me to minister to today? Ask God to open your eyes to see someone to talk to, to pray for, or to show love towards.