In our journey of faith, work is not only a source of livelihood, but also an extension of the mission given to us by God. From the beginning of creation, God Himself demonstrated the value of labor: “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17). Therefore, the value of life can often be demonstrated through work and service.
Enjoy your work
- Driven by God’s will
Paul said, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for the Christ’s sake” (2 Corinthians 12:10). When we use God’s calling as the driving force of our work, we can persevere to the end even when we encounter challenges, because our labor is not in vain.
- Consistency between interest and mission
The Lord Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). When our interests align with God’s plan, our work becomes a source of joy.
- Practicing the Ideal of the Kingdom of God
“Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (Isaiah 43:7). When we see God’s will in our work, we can meet every challenge with faith.
- Find the meaning of work
The meaning of work is not just about salary or status, but how we influence others and bear witness for God.
Increase the value of work—at work, home or church
Some of us are blessed with competencies, and opportunities gained from the workplace that can be transferred and elevate value not just in our jobs but also at home and at work. Consider how Moses, Joseph and Daniel were educated, trained and positioned to impact people’s lives as Godly leaders. It is about deploying learnings and tools to further our understanding and get closer to God.
- Serve God with our very best – We can use our own skills, competencies and gifts to serve, for example, those with musical gifts can serve in the church holy work, and teachers can participate in children’s religious education. Just as people used tools to do the work, we too can deploy modern day tools to do God’s work. These are all ways to serve with expertise.
- Creatively expand the scope of work – In our daily lives, we can spot appropriate opportunities to spread the gospel, such as caring for colleagues in the workplace, or using leisure activities to spread the gospel. This can help increase productivity workplace while helping our colleagues to heal and move on.
- Extend learning beyond the job—Learn from Joseph on how his Godly gifts in interpreting dreams helped the Pharaoh provide for an entire nation and more. Likewise, consider what learnings you gained from God can be used to make a difference in the workplace. For example, being generous and giving may not only impact you and the person around you, but also become part of the culture for the company when it’s radiated bigger and bigger.
Work is not just a means of livelihood; it is also an important area in which we must give an account to God. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). May we all find meaning in our work, bear witness for the Lord through the workplace, and fulfill God’s plan for us in our lives.
Come and learn more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship. We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17,2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org