Glorifying God in our Work

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

(1 Corinthians 10:31)

God has created work for His glory and our good (Matthew 5:16). How do we glorify God at work? This list is certainly not exhaustive, but here are some practical examples.

Integrity: 

Be honest and hard working. Glorify God by being trustworthy and meticulous. Arrive on time, and work at least the full amount you are expected to. Do not steal, either undeserved salary or actual cash, from either your boss or your customers. Proverbs 11:1 “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.”

Skill: 

God has given you talents. Develop those talents to the best of your ability. Get good at your work. Be a good steward of your skills and once you have developed them, use them to the furtherance of God’s glory. Be faithful with your talents and God will be put in charge of many things (Matthew 25:14-30)

Money: 

You may earn money by working, but it is not yours. It is God’s. You are simply a trustee of it. Do not, therefore, work for yourself. Work for God-glorifying ventures and investments. Glorify Him in how you use your wages. Ephesians 4:28 “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”

Trust: 

Go to work utterly depending on God’s power for you to move, breathe, think, talk and feel. Give thanks to him too for your job, and let the other employees know how thankful you are by showing a humble spirit of gratitude to them. John 15:5 ‘“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”’

Love: 

Show that in everything you do, you show love for your neighbour: your boss, workmates, customers, etc. Volunteer for harder or unwanted tasks, and ensure you do your job to the best of your ability for the wellbeing of your customers. 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Everything you do should be done in love.”

Communication: 

Workplaces are places for communication. Do not hide your lamp under a basket in your normal communication, but let it shine forth (Luke 11:33-34). Speak the gospel to your colleagues! 2 Corinthians 5:11 ‘Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”’

Dedication: 

Focus on your work and do not get distracted by worthless pursuits. Proverbs 28:19 “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!”

Thanks: 

Always give thanks to God for life, for work, for wages, for the chance to glorify His name. Psalm 107:1,9 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever… For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.”