Transforming Work into a Divine Vocation
Summary
Today, I explored the profound connection between our faith and our professional lives, emphasizing that work is not merely a means to earn but a divine vocation. I began by challenging the congregation with a thought-provoking question: if Christians disappeared from the workplace, would anyone notice? This set the stage for a deeper reflection on the significance of our work as a testament to our faith.
I introduced three foundational biblical principles about work. Firstly, I highlighted that work was instituted by God Himself, as seen in Genesis where God worked for six days and rested on the seventh, setting a divine example for us. Work, therefore, is intrinsic to the divine order of creation. Secondly, I discussed the purpose behind our work, using the example of Starbucks' mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit, which transcends the mere selling of coffee. This illustrates how every job has a higher purpose that aligns with God's will. Thirdly, I affirmed that God is deeply interested in our work. We are called to perform our duties with the conviction that we are ultimately serving God, not just our earthly employers.
I shared three stories from the Bible to illustrate these principles in action. Daniel, who distinguished himself through his exceptional qualities because of his faithfulness to God, setting a standard for us in the workplace. Joseph, whose work as a steward in Potiphar’s house was blessed by God, showing that God’s presence in our work leads to prosperity and favor. Lastly, the story of Dorcas, who used her skills to serve the widows in her community, demonstrated that our work can have a lasting impact on the people around us.
I also shared three promises from Scripture that assure us of God’s support in our work. These include God establishing the work of our hands (Psalms 90:17), finding satisfaction in our toil as a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13), and being thoroughly equipped for every good work through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
In conclusion, I called the congregation to a moment of prayer, asking God to shift our perspectives about work, to see our professional lives as a field of ministry where we can manifest the kingdom of God. This is not just about what we do, but how we do it—working with integrity, excellence, and a spirit of service, reflecting God’s character in every task.
### Key Takeaways
1. Work as Divine Ordinance
Work was not only created by God but is a medium through which we reflect His image and care for creation. As we engage in our daily tasks, we are participating in a divine ordinance, fulfilling God's command to steward the earth and its resources. This elevates our work from mere duty to a sacred act of worship. [01:13:06]
2. Purpose Beyond Profit
Every job has a purpose that goes beyond earning an income. Like the vision of Starbucks, our work should aim to inspire and nurture the human spirit. Understanding this can transform the mundane into the meaningful, and align our professional goals with God's broader mission for humanity. [01:15:52]
3. God’s Presence in Our Work
Just as Joseph brought God's presence into Potiphar's house, we are called to carry God's presence into our workplaces. This not only impacts the atmosphere and culture of our work environment but also assures us of God's favor and success in our endeavors. [01:31:06]
4. Prayer and Work
Integrating prayer into our work life is crucial. Like Daniel, who sought God's wisdom to solve work-related problems, we should continually seek divine guidance in our professional decisions and challenges. This practice keeps us reliant on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. [01:34:11]
5. Work as Service to God
Ultimately, our work is a service to God. When we view God as our ultimate employer, it changes our perspective on loyalty, integrity, and commitment. This mindset fosters a work ethic that is consistent with biblical principles and honors God in every task we undertake. [01:24:05]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:07:25] - Introduction to the Sermon
- [01:08:44] - The Significance of Christian Presence in Work
- [01:11:01] - Biblical Foundations of Work
- [01:15:52] - Purpose in Work Illustrated by Starbucks
- [01:24:05] - Working for God, Not Man
- [01:28:48] - Story of Daniel: Integrity at Work
- [01:31:06] - Joseph's Example: Carrying God's Presence
- [01:34:11] - The Power of Prayer in Professional Life
- [01:37:18] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:1-2, 5, 15: "Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. [...] Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground. [...] The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
2. Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
3. Psalms 90:17: "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 2:1-2, 5, 15, what role did God assign to humans in the Garden of Eden? How does this passage illustrate the divine origin of work? [01:11:01]
2. In Colossians 3:23-24, what attitude are we encouraged to have towards our work? How does this perspective change the way we view our daily tasks? [01:24:05]
3. What promise does Psalms 90:17 offer regarding our work? How does this assurance impact our approach to our professional responsibilities? [01:34:39]
4. How did the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:2-6 demonstrate God's presence in his work? What was the result of Joseph carrying God's presence into his workplace? [01:31:06]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding work as a divine ordinance (Genesis 2:1-2, 5, 15) influence a Christian's approach to their professional life? What changes might this perspective bring about in their daily work habits? [01:11:01]
2. Reflecting on Colossians 3:23-24, what are some practical ways Christians can work "as for the Lord" in their current job roles? How might this shift in perspective affect their interactions with colleagues and supervisors? [01:24:05]
3. Considering the promise in Psalms 90:17, how can Christians seek God's favor and establishment in their work? What steps can they take to align their professional efforts with God's will? [01:34:39]
4. In what ways did Joseph's faithfulness and integrity at work (Genesis 39:2-6) bring about God's favor and success? How can modern-day Christians emulate Joseph's example in their own workplaces? [01:31:06]
### Application Questions
1. How can you begin to see your work as a divine ordinance and a form of worship? What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to reflect this perspective? [01:11:01]
2. Think about your current job. How can you find and pursue a higher purpose in your work, similar to the vision of Starbucks to "inspire and nurture the human spirit"? What steps can you take to align your professional goals with God's broader mission? [01:15:52]
3. In what ways can you carry God's presence into your workplace, as Joseph did in Potiphar's house? Identify one practical action you can take this week to bring a positive, God-honoring influence to your work environment. [01:31:06]
4. How can you integrate prayer into your work life, seeking God's wisdom and guidance in your professional decisions and challenges? Share a specific work-related issue you are facing and how you plan to pray about it. [01:34:11]
5. Reflect on the concept of working for God rather than for human employers (Colossians 3:23-24). How does this mindset change your approach to loyalty, integrity, and commitment in your job? What practical steps can you take to embody this perspective? [01:24:05]
6. Identify a recent situation at work where you felt disillusioned or lacked satisfaction. How can you apply the promise of finding satisfaction in your toil (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13) to this situation? What changes can you make to seek fulfillment in your work? [01:35:44]
7. How can you ensure that your work reflects excellence and integrity, as demonstrated by Daniel and Joseph? What specific actions can you take to improve your work ethic and set a positive example for others in your workplace? [01:28:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Work as Divine Ordinance
Work is not merely a job; it's a divine ordinance. From the beginning, God demonstrated the sanctity of work by creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh. This rhythm of work and rest sets a pattern for us to follow, not just for physical rest but as a spiritual act of worship. When we engage in our daily tasks, we are participating in the divine act of stewarding the earth and its resources. This perspective transforms our work from a mundane task to a sacred duty, where each action reflects God's image and care for creation. [01:13:06]
Genesis 2:15 - "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."
Reflection: How can you view your daily work as an act of worship and a reflection of God's image this week?
Day 2: Purpose Beyond Profit
Every job has a purpose that transcends profit. Like the mission of Starbucks to inspire and nurture the human spirit, our work should aim to impact others positively and reflect God's kingdom on earth. Understanding the deeper purpose of our roles can transform mundane tasks into meaningful opportunities to serve and glorify God. This alignment with God's mission encourages us to pursue excellence and integrity in our professions, making our work a testament to our faith. [01:15:52]
Colossians 3:23-24 - "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."
Reflection: What is one way you can serve others through your work this week to reflect a purpose beyond profit?
Day 3: God’s Presence in Our Work
Carrying God's presence into our workplaces can transform our work environment and assure us of His favor and success. Like Joseph in Potiphar's house, our work can become a place where God's presence is felt, influencing the culture and bringing about prosperity and favor. This divine accompaniment assures us that we are never alone and that our efforts are amplified by God's power. [01:31:06]
Exodus 31:3-5 - "I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze."
Reflection: How can you more consciously invite God's presence into your workplace this week?
Day 4: Prayer and Work
Integrating prayer into our work life is crucial for seeking God's wisdom and guidance in our professional decisions and challenges. Like Daniel, who relied on God's wisdom to solve work-related problems, we should continually seek divine guidance. This practice not only helps us navigate challenges but also keeps us reliant on God rather than our own understanding, fostering a deeper trust and dependence on Him. [01:34:11]
James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What specific work-related challenge can you commit to bringing before God in prayer this week?
Day 5: Work as Service to God
Viewing our work as a service to God changes our perspective on loyalty, integrity, and commitment. When we see God as our ultimate employer, it fosters a work ethic that aligns with biblical principles and honors Him in every task. This mindset encourages us to work with excellence and to serve others as if we are serving the Lord Himself, making our professional lives a vibrant field of ministry. [01:24:05]
Ephesians 6:7 - "Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man."
Reflection: In what ways can you enhance your work ethic to reflect that you are ultimately serving God and not just man?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Increasingly, I think the world is driven by a few things. It's driven by the need to make profits. The need to make money. And I think the other really strong force that is driving what happens at work is self. For a lot of people, work is all just about themselves. It's all about me. It's all about what my company owes me. What I need to get out of it." [01:09:45]
2. "Sometimes we spend so much time bitching and moaning about our employer that we forget that the person we really work for as Christians is God. And it is not about when you are only a full-time worker in the church. God prepares us for the marketplace." [01:24:50]
3. "If you never pray for your employer or you never pray about the work you do, I want to encourage you today. Pray for your work. Because the Bible says when you even go into a city, pray for the peace of that city. Because in the peace thereof, you will have your peace." [01:26:30]
4. "Just by shifting that mindset to say, I don't do transport, I do hospitality. Totally changes the way you look at your work. The way you talk. The way you plan. Just everything changes because you found that higher purpose." [01:23:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first foundation that I'd like to lay this morning is that God himself created the concept of work. How many of you know that? God himself created a concept of work. In Genesis chapter 2, verse 1 to 2, 5 and 15, it says, So the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing." [01:11:01]
2. "The Bible says, Peter went with them. When he arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was alive. Dorcas was somebody who made clothes. And she made such good clothes. But she saw beyond the clothes she made. A higher purpose." [01:32:25]
3. "The Bible says at one point in time. When the Babylonian king came to Daniel. And brought a problem. The first thing that Daniel did. As a governor or as a ruler. Was he prayed to his God. He said God give me a solution. Sometimes in the midst of your day. When you are dealing with something. And it's really really hard." [01:34:11]
4. "The reason why the Lord gives you his word. Is so that you will be thoroughly. Thoroughly equipped. For every good work. Many of the times when we read this scripture. I'm sure we are just thinking about Christian ministry. But he says. Thoroughly equipped for every good work." [01:36:40]
5. "God has an interest in our work. So don't think that God has nothing to do with your work. He's not interested. In scripture, the Bible says in the book of Colossians 3, verse 20, it says, Whatever you do. Work at it with your heart as working for the Lord, not for humans." [01:24:05]
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