The Christian in the Workplace

One of the suggested books from our “spiritual disciplines” series a couple of years ago was Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work, by Tim Keller.

In his book, Keller states “… in this book we will do what we can to help illuminate the transformative and revolutionary connection between Christian faith and the workplace.” Many people wrestle with questions of how secular careers can have meaning for the Kingdom. Keller deals with the believer’s mindset in going to one’s vocation. Is it best to get as much money from the employer as possible to be as generous as you can? Questions such as this are dealt with.

Keller challenges the reader to think of eternity; if this life is not the end, “…then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever.” This book will greatly aid the Christian in the workplace, putting a godly perspective on the reasons for work, why work can sometimes be so hard and how we can find satisfaction in our work.

If you are in an occupation that seems like “it’s just a job,” then this book will truly present you with a different view. Keller reminds us that work is a “supreme gift from God and one of the main things that gives our lives purpose.” The motivations behind our work are explored, especially how God views “success” versus the world’s idea. If you struggle with the worth of work or fight thoughts of the mundane nature of your career, this book will greatly assist in pointing you to the gospel and the true meaning of work, as God has designed it. We all need to see our jobs as God’s calling, whether in a secular or Christian vocation.