Work is Worship

A long time ago, while working at a florist shop, I had a difficult boss. He was greedy, arrogant and racist. On Valentine’s Day, he was still accepting orders at eight that evening although our inventory had been drastically depleted, and he recruited frat boys with no training whatsoever to slap together floral arrangements to meet the demand. Then he couldn’t make payroll. 

At 20, I was indignant and a know-it-all, so my tenure there was short-lived. But I learned a lot at that job. I learned how to set personal boundaries and keep them. I learned how not to treat people, that ethics matter, and to appreciate bosses who were better leaders.

God uses every experience to make us more Christ-like, and our work life is instrumental to the work He is doing in each of us. 

The world would have us believe that work is a necessary evil, but Genesis tells us otherwise: “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (2:15). God gave Adam, and us, the gift of purpose with work. It was only after The Fall when our work became hard.

Paul acknowledges the difficulties of our work life when he wrote to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (3:23-24).

Let’s break that down: Our work is worship. Whether we are flipping hamburgers, wiping butts or managing people, we are to work to the best of our ability. Our work sings a song, and it’s up to us if it’s a pleasing melody.

Work teaches us, prepares us, and yes, provides for us. As image bearers of God, it allows us the opportunity to serve one another, use our natural talents, and step into the role of creator, even if we are making a sandwich. Like Adam, we too are called to subdue and cultivate the environment where He has placed us. And for each of us, that looks different. He puts us where we need to be to grow, and He carefully builds on each experience.

It’s true that work after The Fall is a minefield of irate customers, lazy co-workers, and difficult bosses. And each one holds an opportunity to serve the Lord.

Let’s pray.

Dear Jesus, thank you for work. Thank you for the opportunity to provide for ourselves and our families, to use our gifts, and for a sense of purpose. Teach us how to be the best employees, the best managers, the best co-workers that we can be. Calibrate our hearts and minds to work as if we are working for you. Because ultimately, we are. Grant us wisdom to navigate our work life with grace and humility and the discernment to know when to stay and when to move on to what you have for us next. We trust you, Lord Christ. Amen.