The words “work” and “toil” are mentioned over 480 times in the Bible, indicating that God considers our work to be a very important aspect of our lives. Throughout Scripture God communicates how important our work is to Him. Below are just a few verses that contain God’s wisdom and perspective on our work, and how we should conduct ourselves while performing our work, along with a practical ways you can apply these verses today.
Application: Work is a part of life and it’s meant to be done with a positive attitude. Be intentional about the way you handle each task, and treat each person at work today with grace and love. Because this is how you bring God glory!
Application: Look at the work in front of you today – whether it’s preparing a report, participating in a meeting, taking out the trash or updating the budget – and identify ways you can do each thing with excellence as if God is the One you want to please.
Application: Demonstrate love for God at work by seeking His direction before starting your next task. Thank Him for small and big wins today. Look for ways to demonstrate love for your coworkers by treating them with kindness, extending grace and providing support.
Application: Before you start the next assignment or conversation, open the Bible or Bible app and look for inspiration in God’s Word. Ask God for wisdom to solve the next problem that comes across your desk. Talk to God throughout the work day as if He were sitting right next to you.
Application: Look for ways to serve your coworkers by thinking of their needs more and your own less. Provide help with a project, buy someone a cup of coffee, or offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement.
Application: Notice the work God puts in front of you today, no matter how insignificant, and do it to the very best of your ability. Write down three ways God can use the small tasks you do to bless someone.
Application: Let your faith in God show through the way you treat people, the peace you operate from even in the midst of chaos, and the confidence you have in Christ. If you need a bit more peace, joy or wisdom, stop and ask God to give it to you. Pray that His power works through you today.
Application: Follow God’s example and take a full day each week for Sabbath rest – a time to focus on God and His goodness, and allow Him to refresh you for the next week’s work.
Application: God wants us to partner with Him in our work – not do it on our own. Turn to God with the work you have to accomplish and pray that He gives you strength and direction before you take the next step.
Application: Not all work is fun, but God wants us to do everything we do with enthusiasm and excellence because we do it to please Him. Identify opportunities to have a positive influence on the people you work with by doing the mundane tasks with enthusiasm.
Application: God cares about all of the work we do. Notice the distractions that take you off track and be intentional about eliminating them today so that you can give your best and make the best use of each minute. Remember that God doesn’t waste anything that we do for His glory.
Application: God gives us work so we can enjoy life. Be sure to take time each day to enjoy the good things that work makes possible in your life, such as time with family and friends.
Application: Work is not without its frustrations. When a frustration occurs, turn to God’s Word and to prayer. Refrain from complaining or hopelessness. God will give you strength and your perseverance will pay off in the long run.
Application: Each of us is God’s coworker and each person has a specific part to play. God wants you to partner closely with Him and do your assignments with excellence while honoring the work of others. Be careful not to compare, but recognize we all have an important part to play at work.
Application: Be diligent not to compromise your values. Ask a fair price, provide good value and treat people fairly in all of your business dealings. Conduct your business according to God’s standards, not the world’s.
Application: God not only wants us to partner with Him in our work, but also in what we do with our earnings, which includes giving to those who are in need. Notice who God has placed in your path to help with a financial or material need and help when you can.
Application: Remember that God cares about your work. He uses it to build His kingdom and for His glory. Pray about your work every day and ask for God’s favor. Pray this verse over your work.
Want to go deeper in living out your faith at work? Check out Workmatters Studies. Each study will help you grow as a leader at work based on biblical principles by helping you see the relevance of Scripture to your work today. Invite a few coworkers to join you in discovering how powerful it can be when you pursue God’s purpose for your work every day.