Work is worship
Agree or Disagree?
For most, the workplace is a source of livelihood, simply a way to make money to pay our bills (and our contribution/tithe!)
When we see our work as worship we approach the workplace as something more than a source of income. We see the bigger picture. We (hopefully) put our work before God in prayer. When frustrated with a colleague we remember that we are all sinners and are patient. It helps us keep our egos and emotions in check because we know that our job title does not define us. Our values and standards remain the same; our responses don’t change based on who is in the meeting or who asks the questions. Seeing work as worship should also make us more positive, joyful, and calmer in the midst of chaos.
All of this makes us a bit of an enigma at work!
Yes, we will stand out. Not because we are arrogant or seeking attention. But because our work is done to the best of our ability and on time. We can be efficient and perform well because our faith resides in God, not our boss, the company’s stock price or man’s approval.
When we see work as worship, it creates a calm and positive energy around us which hopefully is infectious. Colleagues usually end up wanting to be around us, be on our team, work alongside us.
Please note: seeing work as a place of worship does not equate to being shy or timid or allowing ourselves to be walked over or be silent when we see things that are wrong. God gave us a spirit of power and love, not fear and timidity (2 Timothy 1:7). We need to speak up (wisely) when we or others are treated poorly or ethics are being compromised.
Seeing work as a place of worship also does not equate to being (overtly) religious. Jesus didn’t walk into every town quoting the 10 commandments. Luke didn’t start each appointment with his patients with a prayer (though he may have prayed in his mind). Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel didn’t walk around Nebuchadnezzar’s palace preaching sermons. Dorcas didn’t only make clothes for Christians in need, she made them for everyone.
A spiritual person who sees their work as worship, observes what is going on around them, puts what they see before the Lord and listens for God’s guidance.
How do you know if you see work as worship, if you are living out your walk with God at work? If a colleague shows up at church on Sunday, having been invited by their neighbor, and they see you there – would they be surprised to see you there? Or when on a Monday morning people are sharing about the weekend and you mention you went to church would your colleagues nod their head or would they raise their eyebrows?
Some may be thinking, “oh but you don’t know my job, my boss, my situation.” You are right. I don’t! So, I leave you with the words, heart and example of the apostle Paul. He switched careers a few times – from religious scholar (Pharisee) to itinerant evangelist, church planter, maker of tents to here as a prisoner. In each one, he saw his work as worship; he always saw the bigger picture: preaching the gospel.
I want you to know, dear ones, what has happened to me [being thrown in prison] has not hindered, but helped my ministry of preaching the gospel, causing it to expand and spread to many people. For now, the elite Roman guards and government officials overseeing my imprisonment have plainly recognized that I am here because of my love for the Anointed One. And what I’m going through has actually caused many believers to become even more courageous in the Lord and to be bold and passionate to preach the Word of God, all because of my chains. Philippians 1:12-14 TPT
May we each aspire to see our work as worship to and for our Father.
Profile
Dr. Deanne de Vries tells stories for a living—whether she’s teaching, writing, speaking, or just baking cookies for friends. She loves living life in full color: climbing Everest Base Camp, hosting lively dinners, and diving into the “why” behind everything.
Her passport tells the story of a truly global life: 16 years in Africa, 8 in the Middle East, 6 in Europe, 5 in North America, and 1 in Asia. She brings that world of experience into her teaching and advising, turning complex ideas in business, leadership, politics, and culture into something clear, engaging, and relevant.
Faith, curiosity, and conversation are at the heart of everything she does. Deanne’s goal? To spark ideas, inspire growth, and make life—and work—a little more meaningful (and fun!).
