A Godly Attitude Toward Work
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)
I once heard a story that occurred in a hostile country, where a Christian man was arrested for his faith and sentenced to imprisonment in a brutal work camp.
He was given the most atrocious job in the place—cleaning out a sunken slough that collected raw sewage and refuse. But he went to work every day joyfully singing hymns at the top of his voice. He knew no one else would join him in the despicable swamp in order to stop him from praising God.
This week, as we’ve celebrated Labor Day in our country, I’ve thought about his beautiful outlook about work and my lack of one earlier in my career.
When I finished college, I struggled with finding an occupation that fit my interests and skills. I hated the thought of being in an office all day. Honestly, I’d rather have driven a tractor, done electrical work, been a forest ranger, operated a bakery, or traveled. But none of those careers were suitable for my skillsets and education. As a result (sigh), I went to work in an office all day as a writer.
And it was drudgery. Many days, getting out of bed to leave home took a supreme effort. It was not fun, in any way. I wrestled with finding purpose and energy.
Fast forward to today…I’ve found my career niche, one that brings me joy and gets me going in the morning. It’s writing.
I think God has a sense of humor in planting me right where I once slogged through assignments. In the process, He changed my viewpoint. Now, I get to write. And it’s fun. What I used to consider as work (for a paycheck) has evolved into happy writing for the Lord.
In our country, there’s a much-touted Protestant ethic that praises hard work…often for the work’s sake. Some people worship their long hours of work out of pride. There are tangible rewards for it, like a corner office, more money, promotions, and even prizes. But much of the time it’s due to an “I’m-better-than-you” mindset that feeds off perceived adulation. (And when these folks are in management, they can make everyone else miserable.)
Don’t get me wrong. Hard work is critical. Our economy will not survive without it. Our families will struggle without enough finances.
But what if we revised our motives? What if the purpose behind our jobs is switched from serving ourselves to honoring Jesus?
Going to work for Christ blesses us with new energy—almost a caffeine-like boost for accomplishing a project. Instead of trudging through front doors at opening time, we get an extra lilt in our steps knowing we’re embarking on a new adventure with Him. There may be setbacks ahead, but we have more confidence in God’s plans and know He’ll steer us in the right direction.
When God is our focus at work, whether for income or ministry or family management, we learn how to better balance our work time with family time. We are less fearful of the results knowing He is with us every step.
A remaining reward is the fulfillment we receive when we give ourselves wholeheartedly to Jesus’ work. No, we can’t work our way to salvation. No, there aren’t enough good things we can do to offset our sins. Jesus did all that work for us when He gave His life on the cross. Our job now is to give Him our undiluted thanksgiving by lifting ourselves up to Him in praise.
I’ve frequently thought about that gentleman in the slough and the strength of his resolve. He proved that even horrible, wretched work can become glorious joy in the presence of Christ.
Friend, whatever your work looks like, I hope you can take a few minutes this week to give thanks to God for employment. I hope you can set your mind on the things of Christ as you go about your business, to disregard the negative elements around you and use all the positives for Him.
If you’re looking for a job, may the living God give you guidance and an opening to serve Him…with satisfying work that fills your soul with peace.
Happy Labor Day! Happy work!
Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.
© Copyright 2025 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #work #newjob #employment #laborday #protestantworkethic
