Made for Mondays: A 7-Day Devotional to Bring Purpose Into Your Daily Grind预览

Excellence Increases Your Influence

When we understand why we work, it affects the way we work. In Titus 2:9-10, the Apostle Paul encourages slaves to obey their masters and to demonstrate integrity and trustworthiness. But don’t get hung up on his use of the word “slave.” Slavery, both past and present, is horrific, and Paul isn’t condoning it; instead, he’s speaking into the cultural context of his time to communicate a powerful principle. Paul often referred to himself as a “slave of Christ,” showing that his ultimate loyalty was to Jesus. But Paul’s message is about how we carry ourselves in our roles, no matter how challenging or mundane they might seem.

What Paul is saying here is work to please whoever it is you work for. Make it easy for them to be your leader. Don't cop an attitude. Don't be difficult to work with. Don't slack off. Don't steal (that could be time—don't steal time). Be completely trustworthy. Paul’s challenging us to work with integrity, respect, and excellence. Imagine if the way you worked made others curious about your faith. Our attitudes and actions at work should make Jesus attractive.

Are you reliable and trustworthy?

Do you avoid gossip, complaining, or cutting corners?

Are you giving your best, even when no one is watching?

You don’t have to stand on your desk and preach Scripture to make an impact (in fact, please don’t!). Simply working with a joyful heart, showing kindness, and going the extra mile will set you apart. People will notice, and they’ll want to know what makes you different. That’s your opportunity to point them to Jesus.

Nobody can stop you from being exceptional. You get to be as exceptional as you want to be. When you work with excellence, you stand out. It’s not about being perfect but about consistently doing your best. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, education, or running a business, your excellence increases your influence.

God has placed you in your workplace for a purpose. Your coworkers, customers, and clients may never step into a church, but they see you every day. You are a living example of Christ’s love and truth. By showing up early, working diligently, and having integrity, you’re not just earning a paycheck—you’re partnering with God. And when you do your best, God will do the rest.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to point people to you through my attitude and actions at work. Help me to live with integrity and excellence and to find purpose in my work every day. Amen.