Essential: Finding Worth in Your Work

Day 1 of 5 • This day’s reading

Devotional

Is Your Worth in What You Do?

“The work of Beethoven and the work of a charwoman become spiritual on precisely the same condition, that of being offered to God. This does not, of course, mean that it is for anyone a mere toss-up whether he should sweep floors or compose symphonies. We are members of one body, but different members with his own vocation.”

— C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Think of all the vocations in the world—executive, business owner, manager, artist, entrepreneur, first responder, police officer, armed services member, truck driver, delivery driver, nurse, maintenance worker, shelf stocker, food server, nurse, physician, clergy, educator—the list is exhaustive.

Are any of these vocations more valuable than the others?

No. God gave them all as gifts to the body of Christ, and each is essential.

By serving well in the role to which you are called, you are helping build something greater.

You are more than the role you fill or position you hold.

If you think solely of your vocation, you possibly limit yourself and God’s work to transform you and other people through you.

When you think of your job or vocation as something that only fulfills your need, you may be disappointed. When you believe your work, vocation, or role is precisely that to which God calls, you can be confident in its worth because you are an essential member of the body of Christ. 

Your job is a spiritual gift from God that empowers you to meet the needs of others.

That alone should set you free. No matter where you serve, you are fulfilling your calling!

Who you are matters far more to God than what you do. Work is a precious gift from God, but it must not define who you are.

Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others. (1 Peter 4:10-11 GOD'S WORD Translation)

What is the Apostle Peter saying? Speak with authority. Serve powerfully. 

Why? Because even the one who sweeps the floors brings glory to God.

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Ask yourself:

During times of crisis when the government declares some jobs essential and others “non-essential,” what does the Lord say about your role in the body of Christ?