Beyond the 9-to-5: Finding a Higher Purpose in Your Work

Musicians love to write songs about work. Tennessee Ernie Ford once sang about owing his soul to the company store. The Beatles declared, “It’s been a hard day’s night and I’ve been working like a dog.” And, of course, Dolly Parton famously “poured herself a cup of ambition” before heading off to her 9-to-5 gig.

If you look at a list of popular songs on the topic, you might notice that many (if not all) describe work in a negative light. Let’s be honest―most of us can think of many things we’d rather do than work. However, God calls us to work and to work heartily. So, as Christians, should we view work more positively?

Work has always existed. Even people in biblical times worked jobs. Before joining Jesus in His ministry, many of the apostles worked as fishermen. Matthew collected taxes. Luke was a physician. And the book of Acts tells us about Lydia’s endeavors as a successful businesswoman. The shepherds were tending to their flocks when the angel appeared to them in the fields, announcing the birth of Jesus. The Old and New Testaments are filled with stories of farmers, innkeepers, soldiers, merchants, and many other occupations.

It’s easy to fall into the worldview that work is a punishment, something we must endure until we save enough to retire. However, at Blue Trust, we believe work is good and important and not something to dread or resent.

God commanded us to work.

In Genesis 2, God put Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he warns them about the dangers of being idle and writes, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” God knew that work is important and commanded us to do it.

Work gives fulfillment.

Doing good work is satisfying. It feeds our need for purpose and a place to belong. Fulfillment comes from the process of working, not only from the product of that work. The challenge is that sometimes work does not feel fulfilling because we may have a difficult work environment. In Genesis 3:17-18, Adam had to deal with thorns and thistles. Today, we may encounter challenging coworkers, unhappy customers, or technology setbacks. But even if the environment is bad, that does not make work itself bad. On the contrary, it is an important and productive activity.

Work is good.

God created an earth that can sustain life―and He’s given us the mental and physical capabilities to maintain it for future generations. Although we cannot improve on the beauty of God’s creation, hard work leads to new inventions, medical advancements, and infrastructure improvements. Work is good. Throughout history, from Adam to Johannes Gutenberg to Steve Jobs, hard work and perseverance have led to advancements that have changed and enhanced our lives.

It’s a gift to be able to work.

Some people may want to work but are unable to because of physical limitations or personal circumstances. Seeing the ability to work as a gift instead of a burden allows us to be much more appreciative of what we have. Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 tells us, “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.”

Work provides an environment to share Christ.

Work looks different for everyone. For some, it might be pouring your energy into your patients as a nurse or running a large corporation as a C-level executive. For others, work might be spending the day with small children or owning a business. Some individuals may be in a stage of life where their work is through volunteering, serving the homeless, or reading to school-aged children.

Regardless of the form of work you are doing, it offers the opportunity to serve as an example of Christian living. Through work, we can show others that they are seen and matter. We may even directly or indirectly allow others to experience the grace and love of God. As Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

At Blue Trust, we believe wealth is a by-product of work and not the main goal of work. God provides for all our needs (Philippians 4:19), but our work can maximize the gifts and abilities God has given us and allow us to help others. By putting our skills and talents to work, we can use our earnings to build a godly legacy through faithful giving. Our wealth may also allow us to no longer depend on a paycheck, which could give us the freedom to focus more on volunteer opportunities that God has put on our hearts.

Are you interested in learning more about Blue Trust’s unique view of work and how we can help you make the most of the wealth you earn through work? Contact us at blog@bluetrust.com or call 800.841.0362 to schedule a consultation with one of our financial advisors.

Related Resources:

• How to Empower Women in the Workplace
• Creating an Effective Workplace Culture
• The First 3 Elements of Organizational Clarity

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