#1495. All work is working for God - if you choose to make it so! (15/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we Continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

All work, in every setting, can become an opportunity to serve God.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMP3MSsr7Q8

‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,  because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.’ (Ephesians 6:7-8)

Mark Greene, in his book Fruitfulness on the Frontline: Making a Difference Where You Are, illustrates this powerfully:

Chloë is a student who has been led to believe that her real usefulness to God will begin after university. While she looks forward to that, she hasn’t really considered how God might use her now—apart from occasional evangelistic conversations.

Ed works in a factory and feels stuck and unfulfilled. For years, he’s prayed for a different job, hoping to do something more obviously “spiritual,” like leading worship. Because he believes his true calling lies elsewhere, he hasn’t thought much about how he might serve God where he is.

Chris, now sixty, has lived with arthritis for decades and regularly attends hydrotherapy sessions. Yet she hasn’t considered that this setting might be a place where God could work through her.

Then things begin to change. Chloë realises that God can use her in all aspects of university life—through conversations, her studies, friendships, and everyday acts of care.

Ed comes to see that if God hasn’t moved him on, then his current workplace is his mission field. He begins to arrive early, look for ways to bless others, build relationships, and pray—and gradually sees God at work.

Chris recognises that her “frontline” is the hydrotherapy pool, among people she knows well and shares life with. What once felt like a limitation becomes an opportunity for ministry. Her illness no longer defines her as a victim, but becomes a means through which she can serve others.’ (Paraphrased quote from Mark Greene, Fruitfulness On The Frontline)

I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “full-time for Jesus.” Subtly, we can begin to believe that church-based or overtly “Christian” work is more important than other kinds of work. But the Bible challenges this assumption. It teaches that all work can be service to God when it is done for Him.

Our passage in Ephesians makes this clear: whatever we do can become an act of worship when it is offered to the Lord.

In his book A Good Return: Biblical Principles for Work, Wealth and Wisdom, John Lennox highlights this misconception:

‘Many Christians have been taught—directly or indirectly—that church-based work is more important than other kinds of work. This can create the impression that there are two levels of Christians: those in “secular” jobs and those in full-time Christian ministry, with the latter seen as more devoted or significant—despite often being supported financially by the former.

This mindset is reinforced by how we use the word “calling.” We often speak about a “call to ministry” or “full-time Christian work,” but rarely about a calling to everyday roles like business, teaching, the arts, healthcare, technology, parenting, or caregiving. As a result, many assume that truly serving God means leaving ordinary work behind.

This can create unnecessary pressure and inner conflict. For example, a gifted young woman who loves both her faith and working with young people may feel torn between becoming a teacher and going into church ministry—especially if others suggest that the latter is the more impactful path.

But this is a false tension. Everyday professions, like teaching, offer rich opportunities to influence and serve others in meaningful ways, often reaching people who may never step into a church. At the same time, it’s entirely possible to be involved in church ministry alongside such work.

In reality, serving God is not limited to church roles—He calls people to be faithful and fruitful in every sphere of life.’ (Paraphrased quote from ‘John Lenox ,A Good Return: Biblical Principles For Work, Wealth and Wisdom’)

Mark Greene, in his book ‘Fruitfulness On The Frontline - Making A Difference Where you Are’, writes about the ‘6-Ms’ of fruitful work:

M1: Modelling godly character (living Christlike lives)

M2: Making good work (doing excellent, meaningful work)

M3: Ministering grace and love (serving others’ needs)

M4: Moulding culture (shaping atmosphere and values)

M5: Mouthpiece for truth and justice (speaking up for what’s right)

This is both inspiring and deeply practical. Wherever we are right now is not a place of waiting—it is a place of calling.

Even if you’re not where you want to be, your current context can become a place of fruitful work and ministry.

In your workplace, your volunteering, your studies—you may be the only Christian, or the only one willing to shine the light of Christ. As part of His body, you represent Him there.

Too often, we spend our time peering over the wall, dreaming of a preferred future, and in doing so we neglect the garden God has placed us in. I know this was true for me during my time as a schoolteacher. But God calls us to dig, weed, and sow right where we are.

Response 

• How can we make the most of every opportunity, rather than neglecting it because we are impatient for the future?

• Will we embrace God’s call to serve Him where He has placed us?

• Do you see yourself as a missionary and ambassador for Jesus in your everyday context?

Only as we embrace God’s call in our current place and season will we discover fresh energy and joy to:

‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord…’

As Os Guinness writes:

‘Neither work nor career can be fully satisfying without a deeper sense of call…’ 

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Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we resumed our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

We reflected on the vital role of work in our service to God. 

Please read Ephesians 6:5-9 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Our Daily Work as Worship - What is your daily work - even if you are not in paid employment, how do you serve God each day? 

• Biblical Principles for Work - What principles does this text teach about how we are to do our work? 

• Eternal Perspective and Reward - How does the Lord ‘reward’ us for faithfully serving Him in our daily work? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Exemplary work brings God glory -  Read Titus 2:9-10: How does the way we work make the gospel attractive? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?