Work as Worship: Serving God in Every Job

Devotional

Day 1: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

True thanksgiving is offering thanks even when life is difficult, trusting that God is working through every situation for our good. It is easy to be grateful when things are going well, but the real test of faith is to give thanks when circumstances are hard, confusing, or painful. This kind of thanksgiving requires a deep trust that God can draw straight with crooked lines, turning what the enemy means for evil into good. Like Job, who declared that after being tried he would come forth as gold, we are invited to trust that God is refining us through every trial. When we choose to give thanks in everything, our hearts are transformed, and we become people who reflect God’s goodness no matter what we face. [45:38]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or hardship in your life. How can you intentionally offer thanks to God in the midst of it, trusting that He is working for your good?

Day 2: Work as Worship—Serving Christ in All We Do

Every job, whether seen as sacred or secular, is an opportunity to serve God and be filled with His Spirit. From the first gardener Adam, to Joseph the politician, to Bezalel the craftsman, Scripture shows that God fills people with His Spirit for all kinds of work. There is no divide between holy and unholy work; rather, every believer is called to see their workplace as a mission field and to work as unto the Lord. When we approach our jobs with this mindset, we become living witnesses of God’s kingdom, and our daily labor becomes an act of worship that brings glory to God. [50:06]

Ephesians 6:5-8 (ESV)
"Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free."

Reflection: In what ways can you approach your work this week as an act of worship, serving Christ through your attitude and effort?

Day 3: The Secret Life—Integrity When No One Is Watching

Believers are called to work with sincerity and integrity, not just when being observed, but especially in the hidden moments. True character is revealed in the secret life—when we give, pray, fast, and work without seeking the approval of others. Jesus teaches that the Father rewards what is done in secret, and Paul adds that our work should be done for the Lord, not for eye-service or as people-pleasers. When we focus on doing our best even when no one is watching, we honor God and open ourselves to His unexpected blessings and rewards. [58:06]

Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV)
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Reflection: What is one area of your work or daily life where you are tempted to cut corners or seek recognition? How can you choose integrity and faithfulness in that area this week?

Day 4: The Balance of Work—Finding Purpose Without Idolatry or Laziness

God designed work to be good, but we must avoid the extremes of making work our identity or neglecting it through laziness. Some people become workaholics, letting their jobs define their worth, while others avoid hard work and miss out on the character it builds. Scripture teaches that it is good to bear the yoke of work in youth, and that our true identity is as image bearers of God, not merely in what we do. When we discover our calling and do our work as unto the Lord, we find joy and purpose, regardless of the job’s prestige or difficulty. [01:04:01]

Lamentations 3:27 (ESV)
"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth."

Reflection: Are you more prone to overwork or to avoid work? What is one practical step you can take this week to bring your work life into a healthier, God-honoring balance?

Day 5: Leading and Serving Like Christ—Humility and No Partiality

Those in positions of authority are called to lead with humility, modeling servant leadership and refusing to show partiality. The Bible instructs bosses to “do the same” as they expect from employees, to avoid threatening, and to remember that both employer and employee have the same Master in heaven. God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, and leaders are to reflect this by treating everyone with fairness and dignity. Ultimately, we will all give an account to Christ for how we treated others, so let us lead and serve in a way that honors Him and builds up those around us. [01:17:31]

James 2:1, 8-9 (ESV)
"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory... If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors."

Reflection: If you are in a position of influence or leadership, how can you intentionally practice humility and fairness this week, especially toward someone you might be tempted to overlook or treat differently?

Sermon Summary

As we enter Thanksgiving week, it’s important to reflect on the difference between gratitude and giving thanks. Gratitude often comes easily when life is good, but true thanksgiving is an offering that costs us something—especially when circumstances are difficult. The ability to give thanks in all things is rooted in trust: trust that God can draw straight with crooked lines, that He can redeem what the enemy intends for evil, and that the trials we face are forging in us a character that will last for eternity.

Work is a central part of God’s design for humanity. From the very beginning, Adam was filled with God’s Spirit and given a job to do. Throughout Scripture, those filled with the Spirit—whether gardeners, politicians, or craftsmen—are called to their work as a holy calling. There is no sacred-secular divide; every believer is a missionary in their workplace, and the way we work is a testimony to those around us.

Ephesians 6 teaches that employees are to obey their employers sincerely, not just when being watched, but as if serving Christ Himself. Our work should be done with singleness of heart, not as people-pleasers, but as those who know their true Master is the Lord. This means working diligently, with goodwill, and with a focus that honors God. The secret life—what we do when no one is watching—matters deeply to God, and He promises to reward those who serve Him faithfully in the hidden places.

There are dangers on both sides of the work spectrum: workaholism, where identity is found in achievement, and laziness, which leads to brokenness and missed potential. The balance is found in embracing work as a good gift, discovering our calling, and doing all things for God’s glory. Even in difficult jobs or under challenging bosses, we are called to trust that God has placed us where we are for a purpose, to pray for transformation in ourselves, and to invite Jesus into our daily labor—because He is the wisest in every field.

For those in positions of authority, Scripture calls for humility, modeling servant leadership, and refusing to motivate through threats or partiality. True greatness is found in serving others, and every boss and employee alike will one day give an account to the Lord for how they treated those around them. Ultimately, our work is an opportunity to shine light, do good, and bring glory to God in every task, big or small.

Key Takeaways

1. True thanksgiving costs us something Giving thanks is more than feeling grateful when life is good; it’s an act of trust and worship, especially in hardship. When we choose to thank God in the midst of trials, we acknowledge His sovereignty and believe He is working all things for our good, shaping us for eternity. This kind of thanksgiving transforms our hearts and deepens our faith. [45:13]
2. Work is a holy calling, not a curse From Adam to Joseph to Bezalel, Scripture shows that God fills people with His Spirit for all kinds of work—not just “spiritual” jobs. There is no divide between sacred and secular; every believer’s workplace is a mission field. Our daily labor is an opportunity to witness to God’s kingdom and to serve Him with excellence. [50:06]
3. Serve with sincerity and integrity, even unseen We are called to work with singleness of heart, not just when being watched, but as if serving Christ Himself. The “secret life”—what we do when no one is looking—matters deeply to God. He promises to reward those who serve faithfully in the hidden places, and our integrity at work is a powerful testimony. [57:46]
4. Balance diligence with identity rooted in Christ Both workaholism and laziness are pitfalls. Our value is not defined by our productivity, but by being image bearers of God. Embracing work as a good gift, discovering our calling, and doing all things for God’s glory brings balance and fulfillment, regardless of our job’s prestige or difficulty. [62:31]
5. Lead with humility and impartiality For those in authority, true leadership is modeled by humility, servant-heartedness, and refusing to show partiality. Elevating others based on merit, not appearance or favoritism, builds a healthy culture and honors God. Every leader and employee will one day give an account to the Lord for how they treated others. [77:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:57] - Gratitude vs. Giving Thanks
[45:13] - Thanksgiving in Hardship
[46:05] - Trusting God in All Circumstances
[47:08] - The Value of Work
[48:06] - Spirit-Filled Work in Scripture
[50:06] - No Sacred-Secular Divide
[51:41] - Ephesians 6: Work Relationships
[52:33] - Obedience and Sincerity at Work
[55:09] - The Power of Single Focus
[56:57] - Working for Christ, Not Eye Service
[58:36] - Goodwill and Reward in Work
[61:12] - Workaholism vs. Laziness
[64:55] - Discovering Your Calling
[67:48] - Working Under Difficult Bosses
[70:30] - Inviting Jesus Into Your Work
[72:30] - Biblical Leadership for Bosses
[77:00] - Humility and Impartiality in Leadership
[79:40] - The Eternal Value of People
[81:14] - Doing All for God’s Glory
[85:56] - Communion and Prayer
[88:46] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 6:5-9 (ESV) — 5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,
6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,
8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.
9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) — Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Genesis 2:15 (ESV) — The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 6:5-9, what attitudes and behaviors are employees (bondservants) called to have toward their work and their employers?
What does Paul say to those in authority (masters) in Ephesians 6:9, and how does he connect their leadership to God’s character?
In the sermon, what is the difference between gratitude and giving thanks, especially when life is hard? ([45:13])
What examples from the Bible did the pastor give of people filled with God’s Spirit for their work, and what kinds of jobs did they have? ([48:06])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize working “as to the Lord and not to man”? What difference does it make if someone sees their work as service to Christ rather than just a job? ([56:57])
The sermon says true thanksgiving “costs us something.” Why might it be hard to give thanks in difficult circumstances, and what does it reveal about our trust in God? ([45:13])
The pastor mentioned that there is no sacred-secular divide in Scripture. How does this idea challenge the way people usually think about their jobs or daily tasks? ([50:06])
For those in authority, why is humility and impartiality so important, according to both the passage and the sermon? ([01:17:00])

Application Questions

Think about your current work or daily responsibilities. Are there areas where you tend to work harder when someone is watching, but slack off when you’re alone? What would it look like to work with “singleness of heart” this week? ([56:57])
The sermon talked about giving thanks even when life is hard. Can you share a time when you chose to thank God during a difficult season? How did that affect your heart or perspective? ([45:13])
The pastor said, “You are the missionaries we support,” meaning every believer is a missionary in their workplace. What is one way you can be a witness for Jesus at your job or in your daily routine this week? ([50:58])
Workaholism and laziness were both described as dangers. Which one do you tend to struggle with more, and what is one practical step you can take to find a healthier balance? ([01:01:12])
If you are in a position of authority (at work, home, or elsewhere), how can you model servant leadership and humility this week? Is there a specific situation where you can “get in the trenches” with those you lead? ([01:13:19])
The sermon encouraged inviting Jesus into your daily work, believing He is the “smartest person in your field.” What would it look like for you to start your day by asking Jesus for wisdom and guidance in your work? ([01:10:30])
The passage and sermon both warn against showing partiality. Is there someone in your workplace or life you tend to overlook or judge by outward appearance? What is one way you can honor their value this week? ([01:17:00])

Sermon Clips

I've been thinking about that a bit. Like giving thanks versus gratitude. I think we're good at gratitude. Gratitude is, well, I've got a job. I can pay my bills. Great wife, kids. Just gratitude. I don't think that's giving thanks. The Bible says give thanks in everything. I think giving thanks is something that costs you. That you give thanks. The true offering of thanks is when things aren't good. That's when you give thanks. And the only way that you can do that is you trust that God can draw straight with crooked lines. That God can take what the enemy wants to use for evil and turn for good. [00:44:45] (53 seconds) #GiveThanksInEverything

``So does work matter for the believer? Or is it like there's holy things and then work is an unholy thing? If you read the Bible, and I hope you do, who is the first person in the Bible to be filled with God's Spirit? It's Adam. God forms. And then it says God ruachs, word for spirit, into the dirt, and it becomes a living soul. And what happens to Adam after God ruachs into him? Does he get Holy Ghost goosebumps? Does he start to giggle? Does he pass out? Nope. God gives him a job. What's his job? To garden. He is a Holy Spirit-filled gardener. [00:47:41] (55 seconds) #HolySpiritAtWork

There's no sacred, secular divide. That does not exist in Scripture. So there's a lot of churches, and I think it's a great idea. I'm not against this idea. But they'll have a wall that you walk into, and it will have on it missionaries we support. Have you seen those? And it'll have, like, pictures of the different missionaries that are out in the mission field, Africa, maybe China, wherever it is. Hey, we support these missionaries. I've thought that we should do one here at Edgewater, and we'll have the wall that says, missionaries we support. And the only thing on that wall will be a mirror. [00:50:06] (40 seconds) #MissionFieldAtWork

So, real simple, when you're employed, you do what your employee asks, unless it's unethical. Unless they're telling you to do something like lie or cheat or be deceitful or be dishonorable, then you can say, I won't do that. And I've had to do that. I had a job where there was something unethical, and it was a big business deal. It was worth millions of dollars. I would have got a nice bonus from it, but they wanted us to do something unethical, and I wouldn't do it. And God covered me in that moment. [00:53:48] (34 seconds) #WorkWithoutEyeService

Believers should not need a supervisor to make sure they work. We should not need taskmasters. We should not need pharaohs. Because that's not who we're working for. Read the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus talks about the hidden life. The life that nobody sees. And he talks about it with giving, praying, fasting. And then Paul adds work. Those are the four things of the secret life. That you do those, and you're not doing it for people. You're doing it for the Lord. [00:57:31] (35 seconds) #PurposeDrivenWork

Don't worry about him. God will take care of him. You start praying for yourself that you become the right kind of person. I'll tell you, those two things transformed me. I said, okay, Lord. There's something with this guy that I need to learn. There's something in me that I need to change in. There's some growth that I can get from this situation. It transformed. I started praying, God, change me. Help me to be the right employee here. Help me to treat him like I would want to be treated. [01:09:27] (27 seconds)

And there was a signal-to-noise number you had to get, and I couldn't get it. And I'm just banging my head on this thing. And there was a night that I'm just kind of at the end of myself, and I, for the first time, 24 years old, I prayed, Lord, I don't know how to do this. Help me. Help me to get this design to where it actually functions correctly. The next day, I'm looking at the design, and I noticed the focal length of a lens was wrong. I changed it, and it was successful, because Jesus is the smartest person in every field. [01:11:04] (34 seconds)

Your employee and you, the boss, still have the same master in heaven. And one day, all of us will stand before Jesus Christ, read 2 Corinthians 5.10, and we'll give an account. What will we give an account about? I think primarily how we treat people. Because when the mountains out here are eroded flat from wind and rain, when the sun goes dim and finally shuts off, guess what still exists? Lest the person across the desk from you, the person sitting next to you, they'll still exist. That's what matters. [01:19:13] (45 seconds)

So what will we give an account of? How did I treat the person next to me? How did I treat my employee? How did I treat them? That's all that's going to matter. Do we really believe that? I do. So it causes me to be very careful in making judgment. Very careful in partiality. Very careful in the way that I speak to someone that's going to last for eternity. I don't want to ask them to do things that I won't do. I want to be in the trenches with them. I'm going to pull hard because one day I'll look at Jesus in the face. [01:19:58] (35 seconds)

My hope is, my goal is one day to be able to say to everybody, follow me as I follow Christ. I wouldn't say that right now, but that's my goal. That's my goal. So wherever you're at, employee, employer, retired, the Bible says this, that we're to do everything, whether we eat or whether we drink, we're to do everything for the glory of God. Monday morning, do everything for the glory of God, no matter what your job is. You're all for the glory of God. That's the goal. [01:20:33] (38 seconds)

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