For those of us who grew up in church, the Bible verse: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23 NIV) is probably very familiar. However, how do we as believers live this out in our everyday jobs? Whatever field we find ourselves working in (food, corporate, outdoors, ministry, construction, etc.), we can still show Jesus to others. Here are practical tips for doing your job like you’re working for the Lord.
1. Be Honest
Here’s a scenario: you are finishing up a long shift at the restaurant. You haven’t wiped down the tables, but you could clock out without anyone noticing. Do you wipe down the tables like you’re supposed to, or do you clock out? It can be easy to come up with a thousand justifications, “I am tired,” “It’s just one task; who cares?” “Everyone skips tables. It’s not a big deal,” and the list goes on. However, even in the little tasks, we can serve the Lord. Your manager may never even recognize that the tables were skipped, but the Lord sees the effort you put forth to complete your work thoroughly.
2. Be the Best
When you receive a task, be the best person for the job! Assigned to clean the bathrooms? Make them sparkle! Need to talk with a difficult customer? Do it with a smile on your face! Asked to greet new guests at the church doors? Show everyone who walks in that they are individually seen and appreciated in your church! It can be easy to categorize the tasks that are “worth the energy” and those that aren’t in our minds. However, let’s challenge each other to treat every task like it is of utmost importance. Even in the little things, you’re working for the Lord.
Bonus: Here are some tips to help you stay organized!
3. Be a Friend
Sure, you may not work in full-time missions, but you likely work with others. Everyone needs to feel seen, heard, and cared about, whether it is a guest arriving at your church for the first time or it’s just your team member on the line with you at Subway. Talking to unfamiliar people can be scary, but you never know what that initiated conversation will do. Invite those coworkers to get ice cream together, go on hikes together as a team, invite everyone over for a barbeque, etc. Be a consistent friend in the lives of the people around you because you never know… you might be the only constant friend they have.
4. Be Kind
We live in a non-redemptive time in history. That is very clear. With people getting on the internet and spending their childhood years on social media, immaturity abounds. But with that openness and connectivity comes “cancel culture.” Cancel culture says that if you said or did something unkind, even if that no longer reflects who you have grown to become, you are canceled, not deserving of redemption, finished. So, this gives us a huge responsibility. Our responsibility is to be kind to both the “canceled” and the “cancellers.” Be kind to the difficult customer that is belittling you. Be kind to the boss who tries to overwork you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43-46 NIV)
5. Be Humble
Maybe you’re used to being in charge and managing people, so when you were hired and asked to maintain low-level tasks, the temptation to push back arose. Every job is important; remember tip #2: be the best. It doesn’t always make sense, but sometimes God leads us to do jobs that we think we are far too good for. Choose to humble yourself before the Lord, and ask Him to open your eyes to the lessons He has for you while you are in this role.
Be willing to receive feedback. From your perspective, you might’ve just killed that task, no one has ever done it better than you, but then your supervisor requests that you make changes. How are you going to respond? With humility. Chances are that your boss knows what will yield the best results, and if they don’t, respond with respect and humility too. Be respectful and receive feedback with a good attitude even if the feedback isn’t given kindly.
6. Be Available
Don’t get me wrong; it may not be wise to take on every last-minute shift or extra task; however, showing that you are willing to help can hugely impact your employers/coworkers. People expect to hear (or assume they’ll hear) “no” when they need help, so take a moment to consider being the outlier. This can result in you being a trusted employee of your supervisor. While you’re working for them, you’re working for the Lord. They will know who to call on when a busy day arrives. Being reliable puts others before self.
7. Be Firm
You may find yourself in situations where your work culture does not align with your convictions. It can be difficult not to blend in but choose your convictions over comfortability. This is your opportunity to stand out among the crowd and explain why you can’t participate. It is imperative, though, that you answer with as much love and grace when you are asked why you won’t take part. It is not about being “better than”; it’s about being obedient.
8. Be a Leader
Be willing to be the person that leads by example. Take initiative by talking to your bosses when you feel ready for more responsibility or benefits. It can feel weird to bring up topics such as promotions, job responsibilities, or salary, but your bosses will respect your drive and initiative to succeed where you are. Don’t just do these things when your boss is looking, though. When a work day gets crazy, there’s really no one else taking charge, and none of your bosses are around, be willing to be the person that steps up and kindly and lovingly guides your co-workers when they feel overwhelmed. Be the person that your co-workers can depend on when things get rough at work.
9. Be Fruitful
The Bible references a story about three men that received specific numbers of money when their boss left. Two of the men doubled their income while the last one buried his. (Matthew 25:14-30 NIV) This isn’t necessarily about our work life or personal finances, but I believe there is a lesson in stewardship here. Don’t be afraid to bring new ideas to the table at your job. If you can think of a more efficient way to complete your tasks, then tell your manager or supervisor about it. If you have a heart for sales or customer service, bring that to the table. Increase your business’s revenue, bring in more customers, and finish your work more efficiently so that you can take on more tasks. This shows that not only are you a good worker, but you bring new and fresh ideas that are ultimately beneficial for you and everyone around you. This shows consideration and that you’re actually putting thought behind your work, not just doing it because you have to do it.
Don’t forget how loudly your actions speak. Remember that no matter what you find yourself doing, you’re working for the Lord.
“Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” -Francis of Assisi
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions Christian employers and job seekers might ask:
1. How can I reflect my faith in my work?
Perform your tasks with integrity and excellence, aiming to honor God through your efforts, even in small or unnoticed details.
2. How should I respond to feedback at work?
Embrace feedback with humility, seeing it as an opportunity for growth, while maintaining respect and grace, even when the critique is difficult.
3. What if my workplace culture conflicts with my beliefs?
Hold to your convictions while showing love and respect, and prioritize faithfulness over conforming to workplace norms.
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