Christian Latina Leadership Blog

By: Gabriela Sánchez

Para leer la versión en español haga clic aquí

One of the aspects of our lives that takes up a significant portion of our time is: work. It is no secret that our work demands much from us, and at times, we even face situations that are beyond our control. Sudden reorganizational changes in our workplaces, challenging work relationships, or overworking, for instance, can have a negative impact on multiple areas of our lives.

How can we use our work as a means to live out our faith?

Working for God

As Christians, our faith is not something we can pack into a suitcase and leave outside the door before entering our workplace. In my opinion, it is of utmost importance that our faith permeates every corner of our daily lives. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employee in the United States works 1,892 hours per year. Since work is something very important that takes up much of our time, it is illogical to think that our spiritual life can be isolated from our work life.

In the book of Colossians, Paul encourages us to focus on God in everything we do, including how we carry out our careers, regardless of who may be benefitted. The reason is that it is truly God whom we serve.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

This passage encourages me to find purpose and satisfaction in what I do in my career, even when performing tasks and obligations that may be monotonous or not so enjoyable. Personally, this profound truth reshaped my understanding of work and helped me realize that my professional vocation is another avenue through which I can serve God.

Embracing the original design of work

“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array . By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done… The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:1-3, 15 (NIV)

Many of us may perceive work as a punishment or consequence after Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God (Genesis 3:17-19).  However, the passage mentioned above (Genesis 2:1-3, 15) introduces work in the Garden of Eden, a paradise. As Timothy Keller, author of the book Every Good Endeavor (p. 21) explains: “…God not only worked to create but also to care for His creation.” In verse 15, God instructs Adam and Eve to continue his work by cultivating and taking care of the garden. This passage invites us to renew our perspective on work and see it as part of God’s original design for all of God’s creation, and not as just a means to income.

Our faith as an ethical compass at work

In today’s hyper-competitive work environments, being a “shark” or “win at all cost” is often rewarded and perceived as a necessity to career advancement. However, our identity in Christ rescues us from the self-sufficiency and pride that may be rooted in our desire for accomplishment, titles, or pursue of elevated salaries. I want to clarify that I am not referring to workplace environments where healthy competition leads to positive outcomes such as innovation and efficiency. Remembering that the center of our lives is God, calls us to carry out our work with integrity in order to delight God and not human beings.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

While our coworkers may be grappling with frustrations and ethical instabilities, we, as Christians, have the gift of having at our disposal the compass par excellence that guides us towards what is noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. I invite you to give thanks and glory to God for the skills God has entrusted to you and to use your gifts and abilities in a responsible manner that emphasizes God’s glory.

Now that we are at the beginning of a new year, I challenge you to reflect over the next few days on: what actions or attitudes you can employ to turn work into a means through which you can expand your service to God and those around you?