Thriving Through Career Uncertainty: A Biblical Perspectiveਨਮੂਨਾ

Work as Worship – Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord ayou will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. - Col 2:23-24(ESV)

The alarm blares, snapping you awake, reminding you of another day filled with deadlines, meetings, and endless tasks. It’s easy to fall into the rhythm of work as something we “have to do” rather than “get to do.” But what if we saw every email, conversation, and task completed as an act of worship? The mundane can become magnificent when we remember that our work is not just for a paycheck but for a higher purpose.

In Joseph’s life, we see a picture of work as worship. Whether he managed Potiphar’s house, served in prison, or ruled Egypt as Pharaoh’s right-hand man, Joseph’s commitment to excellence was never based on his circumstances. His integrity and diligence were his offerings to God. The Bible says, “Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt”. He had spent years in challenging and seemingly thankless positions, yet he never lost sight of the bigger picture, that his work was not just about him but about fulfilling God’s greater plan.

In the same way, Eric Liddell, an Olympic runner and devout Christian, saw his running as an act of worship. Liddell famously said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” He believed that running was an opportunity to honor God, and in doing so, he found his purpose beyond the race.

I learned this firsthand when I re-entered the workforce after a 15-year break. My colleagues were ready to throw me out one week into my new job. Doubts and insecurities flooded my mind: Was I meant to be here? Had I made a mistake? But in that moment of fear, I remembered: God gave me this job, knowing I would face this challenge. If He placed me here, He will equip me to overcome it. That realization changed everything. Instead of seeing work as a place of struggle, I began to see it as an opportunity to worship God with my skills. Challenges became moments to trust Him, and victories became moments to praise Him. When I look at work as worship, I bring glory and honor to God through my life, allowing Him to take me to places I wouldn’t dare go to alone.

Work is not merely a task to be completed but an opportunity to honor God. When we approach our daily grind with the mindset of worship, we find meaning and purpose in every action, whether grand or small.

Steps of Faith:

• Start Your Day with a Dedication Prayer – Before beginning work, take a moment to pray, committing your tasks, meetings, and interactions to God as an act of worship.
• Identify One Task to Do with Excellence – Choose a specific task and complete it with a mindset of honoring God, whether responding to emails, leading a meeting, or solving a problem.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see my work as an offering to You. No matter how small the task, let it reflect Your greatness. I want to honor You in all that I do today. Strengthen my heart to do everything with integrity, knowing that I serve You, not just the world around me. Amen.

Go Further...

• How does seeing your work as worship change your perspective?
• What areas of your work can you commit to God today?
• How can you honor God through your job, even in difficult situations?