Working for Jesus: Finding Purpose and Blessing in Our Work

Devotional

Day 1: True Treasure: Shifting from Earthly Gain to Heavenly Reward

Jesus calls us to examine our motivations for work, challenging the cultural narrative that equates success with accumulating more possessions. Instead of letting society’s endless advertisements and pressures dictate our desires, we are invited to simplify our needs and prioritize generosity, especially toward those in need. When we put others first and give freely, God promises to bless our work and use us as channels of His goodness. This radical, countercultural approach not only brings joy to others but also stores up lasting treasure in heaven, where our hearts truly belong. [07:40]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one area of your spending or financial planning where you could intentionally put someone else’s needs before your own this week?

Day 2: Identity in Christ: Our Purpose Beyond Our Profession

It’s easy to let our jobs or roles define us, but our truest identity is found in following Jesus. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or in any other role, your primary purpose is to live as a disciple of Christ, letting His love and mission shape every aspect of your life—including your work. When we see ourselves first as followers of Jesus, it transforms how we approach our jobs, shifting our focus from self-promotion to making Jesus’ name great and serving others in His love. [16:24]

Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

Reflection: How would your attitude and actions at work change if you saw your primary identity as a follower of Jesus rather than your job title?

Day 3: Work as Service: Following Jesus’ Example in the Workplace

Jesus redefined greatness as serving others, not seeking power or recognition. In our workplaces, we are called to adopt this same posture—serving coworkers, customers, and even those who are difficult, just as Jesus served and gave His life for many. When we approach our jobs with a servant’s heart, we reflect Christ’s love and open doors for meaningful relationships and spiritual conversations, making our work a powerful place for God’s kingdom to grow. [20:23]

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection: Who is one person at your workplace (or in your daily routine) you can intentionally serve this week, even in a small way?

Day 4: Working for the Lord: Excellence and Integrity in All We Do

Work is not just a means of survival but an opportunity to serve God with excellence and integrity, regardless of who is watching. When we do our jobs “as for the Lord,” we honor Him, grow in character, and become trustworthy stewards of the gifts He’s given us. Even in mundane or difficult tasks, our faithful effort is seen and rewarded by God, shaping us into people who reflect His heart in every circumstance. [26:06]

Colossians 3:22-24 (ESV)
Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 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 task at work or at home that you usually do half-heartedly? How can you approach it this week as an act of service to Jesus?

Day 5: Growth Through Work: Building Character for Eternity

God uses the challenges and hardships of our work to shape us into people of endurance, character, and hope. Rather than seeing work as a punishment or mere necessity, we can embrace it as practice for becoming the person God designed us to be—more patient, kind, and resilient. Each day’s effort, especially in adversity, is an opportunity for spiritual growth that carries eternal significance, preparing us for the life to come. [27:33]

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or frustration at work—how might God be using it to build your character and prepare you for something greater?

Sermon Summary

Work is a central part of our lives, but the deeper question is not just what we do, but why we do it. Our motivations for work often fall into three categories: societal pressure, identity, and necessity. Society constantly tells us what we need to be happy—more stuff, more status, more comfort. But Jesus calls us to a different way, one that values storing up treasures in heaven rather than accumulating possessions on earth. When we put the needs of others first, giving freely and cheerfully, God not only blesses us but entrusts us with more opportunities to do good. This is a radical shift from the self-focused narrative of our culture, and it’s the heart of God’s kingdom.

Our jobs can also become the core of our identity. We often introduce ourselves by what we do, letting our vocation define our worth and purpose. Yet, Scripture challenges us to see our primary identity as followers of Jesus. Our work is simply one of the many places where we live out that calling. When we approach our jobs as Jesus-followers first, we become agents of his love and service in our workplaces. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, genuine interest in coworkers, or simply doing our work with integrity, we reflect Christ to those around us. Our purpose is not found in our job title, but in following Jesus and making his name great.

For many, work feels like a necessity—a means to survive. The Bible affirms the value of hard work and self-sufficiency, but it also invites us to see work as a place of growth and transformation. When we work “as for the Lord,” even the most mundane or difficult tasks become opportunities for spiritual formation. God uses the challenges of work to build endurance, character, and hope in us. Instead of viewing work as a punishment, we can see it as practice—preparing us to become the people God designed us to be, both now and for eternity.

Ultimately, the “why” behind our work shapes the “how.” When our motivation is aligned with God’s heart—seeking treasure in heaven, living out our identity in Christ, and embracing work as a place of growth—we find joy, purpose, and blessing in all we do. Let’s invite Jesus into our work, do it for him, and with him, trusting that he is forming us through every task.

Key Takeaways

1. Store up treasure in heaven, not possessions When we focus on accumulating things, we miss the deeper joy and blessing that comes from generosity and putting others first. God’s kingdom operates on a different economy—one where giving leads to true riches, and where our investments in others echo into eternity. Simplifying our needs and including others in our financial planning is a radical, countercultural act that aligns us with God’s heart. [07:04]
2. Let your identity be rooted in Christ Our jobs are not the source of our worth or purpose. When we see ourselves first as followers of Jesus, every workplace becomes a mission field and every task an act of worship. This shift frees us from the pressure to prove ourselves and opens us to serve others with humility and love, reflecting Christ in all we do. [15:27]
3. Work as practice for spiritual growth Work is not just a necessity or a punishment; it is a place where God shapes our character. The challenges, frustrations, and even the monotony of our jobs are opportunities for endurance, patience, and hope to be formed in us. When we approach work as practice for becoming more like Jesus, we find meaning and growth in every task, no matter how small. [28:22]
4. Serve others in your workplace Jesus modeled servant leadership, calling us to put others before ourselves. In our jobs, this means looking for ways to bless, encourage, and support those around us, even when it’s difficult or goes unnoticed. Serving at work is a powerful witness to the love of Christ and transforms ordinary environments into places of grace. [20:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introducing the Topic: Why We Work
[01:53] - Three Motivations for Work
[04:10] - The Pressure of Society and Materialism
[05:46] - Jesus on Treasures and True Needs
[07:04] - Radical Generosity and Blessing
[09:42] - Stewardship and God’s Trust
[11:23] - Real-Life Example: Kristen’s Mission
[13:12] - Work and Identity
[15:27] - Rooting Identity in Christ
[17:27] - Practical Ways to Live Out Faith at Work
[20:23] - Serving Others in the Workplace
[22:30] - The Necessity and Challenge of Work
[25:33] - Working for the Lord, Not for Men
[28:22] - Work as Practice for Growth
[32:51] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) — > “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) — > “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.”

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV) — > “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Matthew 6, what is the difference between treasures on earth and treasures in heaven? What does he say about where our heart will be? [05:46]
In Colossians 3, what does Paul say about who we are really working for, and what kind of attitude should we have in our work? [25:33]
In Mark 10, how does Jesus describe true greatness and leadership among his followers? [20:23]
The sermon mentioned three main motivations for work: societal pressure, identity, and necessity. Can you recall how each one was described? [01:53]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus warns us about storing up treasures on earth? What are some ways this warning applies to our daily lives and work? [05:46]
The sermon challenges the idea that our job title or role gives us our main purpose. What does it mean to have our identity rooted in being a follower of Jesus instead? [15:27]
Paul says to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” How might this change the way someone approaches a job that feels boring, difficult, or unnoticed? [25:33]
Jesus says that true greatness comes from serving others. How does this teaching challenge the way most people think about success at work? [20:23]

Application Questions

The sermon talked about society pressuring us to want more stuff and status. Are there specific things you feel pressured to work for that might not actually matter in the long run? How could you simplify your needs or include others in your financial planning? [07:04]
Think about your current job or main daily responsibility. In what ways do you let your work define your worth or identity? What would it look like to see yourself first as a follower of Jesus in that space? [15:27]
The idea of “storing up treasure in heaven” was described as putting others’ needs first and being generous. What is one practical way you could be more generous or serve someone at work this week? [07:04]
The sermon gave examples of small acts of kindness or genuine interest in coworkers as ways to reflect Christ. Is there a coworker or classmate you could encourage, pray for, or simply listen to this week? What might stop you from doing this? [18:20]
When work feels like a grind or just a way to survive, how can you remind yourself that God is using even the hard or boring parts to shape your character? Is there a specific challenge at work you can see as “practice” for spiritual growth? [28:22]
The pastor shared about doing unseen, extra work (like cleaning under tables) as a way to serve Jesus, not just people. Is there a “hidden” way you could go above and beyond at your job or home this week, even if no one else notices? [31:52]
If you are currently looking for work or in a season of waiting, how can you trust God and let him grow patience and hope in you during this time? [29:29]

Sermon Clips

For some of us, if we're honest, actually, for all of us, I would say this, for all of us to some degree, we're very interested in having the things and getting the things and preparing for the things in this world that are going to make us happy, that are going to make us content, that are going to make us more comfortable. And while I'm, don't hear me say that it's not, that it's bad for us to want to enjoy this life, but again, what's the motivation? What are we thinking of first in this? [00:06:09] (32 seconds) #CheckYourWhy

When I give first, when I give away my time, my treasures, God sees it. Think of it this way. I've probably used this analogy before, but my brain is simple, and it works for me. Like, if you're a parent and you've got some kids, you've got kids, right? And you've got Halloween candy. So there's Halloween candy. And you've got some kids, elementary age kids. And you know that your one daughter is really good at sharing and taking responsibility. And when you give her something to do, she stewards that well. So if you give her the Halloween candy and say, hey, split this among your brothers and sisters, you know, like, she's going to do a good job. And then you got the other kid, the troublemaker, the one who tends to – and you give it to him. What's he going to do? He's going to keep it for himself. Maybe he'll share it if he has to. I feel like that's us and God. I really do. Like, he's a good father. And he sees – when he has children who are good at sharing, who are seeing the needs of their brothers and sisters and sharing that, I do believe, and I've seen him go good and faithful. I can trust you with more. What will you do with this? [00:09:33] (68 seconds) #FaithfulStewardship

Is it following Jesus or is it yourself? Is it building a name for yourself, or is it making Jesus' name great? I believe the workplace is one of the best places that you can do this, that you can model and show and lead people. You have time with coworkers, or you have a face with customers. You have an opportunity, most of us, to pour in and to feed into the life of others at our job. [00:16:57] (27 seconds) #GlorifyThroughWork

But looking at your work as not, like this is the place I go to work. And this is church. This is where I come to connect with God. And then this is family. This is where I do a little bit of work. But like to look at your work, it's like, no, this is the place where I am a follower of Jesus here as well. And I'm going to show that to people. [00:19:30] (24 seconds) #WorkIsWorship

If we could be thinking about when we're in our jobs, when we're in our workplace, even when we're dealing with the difficulty of other people or situations, if we can think, no, why am I here? I am here to serve. I'm here to serve and be a follower of Jesus in this space. I think it would change the way we interact with our other workers. I think it would change the way we work. I think it would change our hearts for the better. [00:20:44] (24 seconds) #ServeAtWork

When we work hard, God works in and through those situations. Maybe it's the tough co-worker. Maybe it's the physical laborer. Maybe it's the boredom. And he meets us in it and builds us up as better people. We leave at the end. When we start a day at work focused on following Jesus, I'm a Jesus follower. I'm working for him today. We leave that day stronger and a more complete person with better character than we started. [00:27:35] (24 seconds) #GodBuildsCharacter

What if we looked at our jobs less like a punishment and more like practice? Looked at our jobs less like a punishment and more like practice, becoming the person that God would have us to be. Fully formed, more patient, more kind, more attentive, harder working. Again, I don't know how it's going to work, but I have to believe that all of that part of who I am carries over into the next life with him. [00:28:23] (27 seconds) #WorkAsPractice

Let's try and flip the script on this. What if our work we did because here's the why we did it. We did it because there's treasure. God has treasure for us. When we put each other's needs first, when we look at our brother and sister first, and then God will allow him to backfill, backfill what we're sharing. [00:30:40] (23 seconds) #TreasureThroughGiving

What if we were able to say that my identity, my primary identity is a follower of Jesus Christ. That's why I live. That's why I do it. That's my purpose. My purpose is to follow him. My job is one way, one area in which I can do that. But my purpose is to follow after Jesus. [00:31:04] (20 seconds) #FollowJesusFirst

So, what if we did our job not out of necessity, but saw it as practice for building character? And I know you're desperately trying to find the acronym TPC. It's none there. Just remember, sin is bad. TPC is good. That I believe you will remember. [00:32:28] (22 seconds) #PracticeCharacter

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