Working for the Lord in the Workplace

Did you wake up today frustrated about work? Did you ask God, “Why do I work at this job or why am I at this job and not working in my field?” Trust me, I know that feeling. Perhaps you scrolled through the social media highlight reel of your friends and think that everyone is working in their purpose and you’re just here. You feel like you’ve been left behind, in last place.

If you’re working at a 9-5, corporate job, or in retail, etc…You are in position to be used and service to God. Do not believe the lie that you cannot be used right where you are. That is your ministry. The people who you come in contact with: managers, co-workers, and customers are all people you can show love to. Many times, God can have us in a job that helps cultivate our character and spirit. He wants us to have faith in Him and trust Him through all circumstances. The job you’re working may have long hours, a long commute, or difficult co-workers, but it is where God has you.

For some, our work environments are not welcoming to Christians or support lifestyles that go against our beliefs. But, the beauty is we can work diligently onto the Lord in our workplace. Come to work on time, complete your work efficiently, and speak to others in love. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be gracious so that you have the right response for everyone (Colossians 4:5-6 NLT).

Many of us have social media accounts and follow Christian speakers, preachers, and Christian companies. Some of those people we follow are in ministry full-time because God has called them to that. Unfortunately, we can allow social media to have a negative impact on our lives. We see the cute family pictures, t-shirts, businesses, and for some of us that aren’t in ministry full-time, we begin to think: Why am I still here? Is this 9-5 it for me? I’m not worthy of anything…nothing is going on in my life!

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. -Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

You as a believer can permeate the darkness in your workplace by being the light actively and showing love in the way you treat people and boldly sharing the Gospel as the Holy Spirit leads you to. Everyone will not be called by God to be in full-time ministry. He calls people to where He needs them to be. For some of us it is the workplace. That is our mission field.

Think about the opportunities we have daily to share Jesus. Saying hello and asking someone how their day is going; buying a co-worker lunch; or complimenting a co-worker. There are so many ways to show you care and share the Gospel. It may seem like small opportunities, but they aren’t. The small victories lead to major victories. You can plant a seed in someone that will be watered by another brother/sister in Christ later on.

Do not look down on where God has you. Meditate on His promises. He sees you, He cares about you, and He will give you the words to say. The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8).

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. -Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

But my co-workers…they are aggravating! I’ve been there too…actually I am there. I make a choice to still serve and love them. Why? I serve and love them because I want to honor God. You should do your best at your job now, so when God sees fit to give you more, you will be able to handle it and you will appreciate it even more.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. -Philippians 4:11-12 (NLT)

You can be an encourager from your cubicle, the sales floor, or the customer service line. As Christians, we are called by Jesus to go into the world and make disciples. Focus on having a grateful heart for where you are now, use this time to share the Gospel, and stay in communication with God through prayer.

How do you make the most of where God has planted you?