Understanding Work: A Divine Calling
- Admin
- May 1
- 3 min read
May 01, 2025
"And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.”
- Exodus 34:6 (NKJV)
What is work? According to the Freeman Dictionary, work is "something that has been produced or accomplished through the effort, activity, or agency of a person or thing." For God's children, work is an expression of the goodness we carry within us. We serve a benevolent God who delights in giving His children good gifts. In Exodus 34:6, God introduces Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord God, merciful and abounding in goodness." Indeed, God embodies an abundance of goodness.
Just as God engages in work, so should we as His children. The divine work began with creation, where He brought the universe into existence. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." For six days, God dedicated Himself to the work of creation, shaping the earth and everything we behold today. At the end of His creative endeavor, He declared, "It was good." This work testifies to His love, power, and faithfulness.
As God’s children, we are called to emulate His standard by doing good work. Anything less than excellent is unacceptable. If it is not good, it is not work. Colossians 3:23 (ESV) encourages us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” You cannot claim to be a person of integrity while producing shoddy work. Your work reflects what you carry within. Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of diligence, integrity, and excellence in all our endeavors. Your work is your signature; it defines you.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Never underestimate the importance of any task. There is no such thing as small work. Even if your role is simply to take minutes at a meeting, do it with excellence. Matthew 5:16 instructs us to “let our light shine before others, so they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven”.
Ultimately, let us remember that our work is not contingent upon the character of our managers but on the goodness of God. We work for God; our service in the workplace is ultimately to Him. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) reminds us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
This scripture emphasizes that we are God’s workmanship, crafted in Christ Jesus to perform good works that He has prepared in advance for us. By working excellently, we not only foster personal growth and professional development but also become instruments of God’s love, grace, and justice. In doing so, we make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us and positively influence the world for His glory.
Song of Worship
Order my steps in your word, dear Lord
Lead me, guide me, everyday
Send your anointing, Father, I pray.
Order my steps in your word.
Please order my steps in your word.
Prayer - Father, thank You for the provision of work You have blessed my hands to do. May I honor You with everything that I do at my workplace from my tasks to the way I talk to clients and my colleagues, and my leaders. Lord God, help me to do excellent work so that Your light can shine before men, and they may glorify You, the one and only true God, who I serve in Jesus' name. Amen
