Have you ever wondered why you spend so much time at work? Or questioned whether your daily job has any spiritual significance? The truth is, your workplace isn't separate from your faith journey—it's actually one of the primary places where God wants to work through you.

The foundation of understanding our purpose begins with recognizing that Jesus is Lord. This isn't just a nice religious phrase—it's a life-changing reality. Romans 10 tells us that if we confess with our mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. Many people want Jesus as Savior, but you don't get Jesus as Savior without Jesus being Lord of your life. The word "Lord" in the New Testament equates to "Yahweh" in the Old Testament—the high name of God that acknowledges He is everything, over everything, all-powerful, and fully in control.

The Greek word for Lord is "kyrios," which means "he to whom a person or thing belongs." It refers to the one who has the power of decision over our lives—not just the broad picture, but the individual details. He's the master, the one who has control, the owner. This means Jesus has authority over every aspect of your life, including your work. When we truly understand His lordship, it changes how we view our daily responsibilities and interactions.

Ephesians 2:10 reveals something incredible about our identity: "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." We are God's workmanship—uniquely created with His handprints all over our lives. We are His sons and daughters, kings, priests, ambassadors, and saints. But notice the purpose: we were created for good works that God prepared in advance for us to do

The word "works" in Greek is "ergon," which means work, labor, business, employment, enterprise, or undertaking. It encompasses any product accomplished by our hands, any act or deed we do. This reveals an astonishing truth: we are people created to work.

Since the fall of man, work has taken on negative connotations. Many people see work as something they have to do and hate to do. But this isn't how God sees work—He has an entirely different perspective.

God says work is good. Consider this: God worked in creation, and Scripture tells us He works even today on our behalf. Jesus had a trade as a carpenter. Paul made tents. Work isn't part of the curse—it's part of the blessing. God appointed man to work before the fall, before original sin. One of the first things God did after creating man was give him a job: "Go and tend the garden."

Work serves multiple important purposes in our lives:
• Provides for our needs and our families
• Serves the community through resources and services
• Creates products that reflect God's goodness
• Enables us to practice generosity by having enough to share with others

Your workplace is one of the main areas where you grow as a disciple. You spend 30, 40, 50, or more hours per week there, interacting with people and facing challenges that develop your character.

At work, you have opportunities to grow in grace, practice forgiveness, demonstrate repentance, and show the character of Christ in real, tangible ways. You can model integrity, demonstrate a peaceful spirit, show hope, and express love. When everyone around you is losing their minds over small issues, you can abide in peace because you have trust and confidence in the lordship of Jesus Christ. You know He really does rule and is in charge of everything.

In some workplaces, you may be the only Jesus that your coworkers ever encounter. You are God's plan A in that circumstance and setting. You get to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs both. Matthew 5 says, "Let your light shine before others so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." When you manifest the character of Christ in your workplace, you become part of God's redemptive process.

God may have placed you in difficult situations so you can help plant seeds of salvation in the lives of every person you meet. You might be sowing seeds everywhere, never knowing who will come along to water them and watch God give the increase.

Here's a surprise: whether you wanted it or not, you are a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Second Corinthians 5:18 says we've all been given the ministry of reconciliation. You are a full-time minister, regardless of your occupation. We are ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors for Christ. Everywhere you are is where Jesus wants to be and show His presence.

Colossians 3:23 provides clear direction: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." When you show up at your job, no matter where you work, you are working for Jesus Christ. Your specific workplace is where God has positioned you for this season to work something in your life and through your life for your benefit and the benefit of those you interact with.

Consider these inspiring examples of people who understood their workplace calling: One businessman in the oil and gas industry continues working not because he needs the money, but because "work is where I find my next assignment." Over the years, God has brought young men into his workplace who were struggling with their identity, and he's been able to mentor and disciple them. A preschool director realized her job wasn't just about checking boxes and wiping noses—she had the opportunity to influence children's lives, encourage struggling employees, and pour hope into single mothers and parents going through difficulties. A nurse practitioner sees her medical practice as her ministry, loving the opportunity to encourage people, help those receiving bad reports, and pour hope into their lives.

This week, challenge yourself to see your workplace through God's eyes. Recognize that you are exactly where God wants you to be for this season. Look for opportunities to demonstrate the character of Christ through integrity, peace, hope, and love. Remember that you may be the only Jesus some of your coworkers will ever see.
 
Ask yourself these questions:
• How can I better demonstrate the lordship of Jesus Christ in my daily work?
 • What opportunities do I have this week to show grace, forgiveness, or encouragement to my coworkers?
• Am I viewing my work as ministry, or just as something I have to do?
• How can I be salt and light in my specific workplace environment?

Your workplace isn't separate from your spiritual life—it's one of the primary places where God wants to work through you to touch others' lives and grow your own character.
Embrace your role as a full-time minister in whatever field God has placed you.