Every day, billions of us get up to do vital work – teaching the next generation, growing crops, fixing cars and working in hospitals and governments. But what’s the Biblical understanding as to why we work, and how can we use whatever we do to share the gospel?
Created to work
‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.’ Genesis 2:15
Even before the Fall, God intentionally gave us the gift of work. The first command he gave to Adam in Genesis 3 was to tend to the Garden of Eden, soon after he was created – a role that was designed to be rewarding for Adam.
Unsurprisingly, our depiction of work as we live in a broken world has changed significantly compared to tending to the Garden of Eden. But it was still part of God’s original plan and purpose for his children. So: ‘whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,’ Colossians 3:23
Uniquely gifted
‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’
1 Peter 4:10
The huge variety of unique skills needed for the thousands of different jobs that exist have each been created by our heavenly Father. We all have a part to play in helping to make an impact on the individuals, communities, and environment around us as we work.
Whether what we do is full-time or part-time, paid or voluntary, religious or secular, we all have different personalities and gifts that we can use to help fulfill God’s purposes in this world.
An ambassador for Christ
‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.’
2 Corinthians 5:20
Each daily interaction with those we work with is an opportunity for us to share Christ’s love through word and deed and to be an ambassador for him. In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives us the first and greatest commandment and the second, to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind’, and to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. How amazing is it that we can do this every day, as we are beacons of light to those we work with?
Furthering God’s kingdom
‘Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”’
Matthew 9:37-38
Whatever we do, wherever we work, it can all be valuable in furthering God’s kingdom – and not just in the UK, but in places around the world where the harvest is plentiful, but workers are few.
Around 40% of countries are currently restricting religious visas, so people entering on specific work visas is vital. Coming into a country with a specific profession gives people a credible reason for being there, as well as creating an opening to be an example of integrity, humility and self-sacrifice – ultimately showing what it’s like to live for Christ.
As God places different countries and communities on our hearts, it’s an opportunity to prayerfully consider how our qualifications could enable us to live and serve elsewhere.
What skills and abilities has God given you that could be useful in the least-reached communities of the globe?
Where could you work?
There are many ways you can use your gifts and skills for God – below is just a handful. You can discover hundreds of opportunities on our website or you can email [email protected] if you’d like to find out more.
Training the next generation
In the Middle East and North Africa, unemployment levels are amongst the highest in the world for young people, which can lead to frustration and social unrest. Since God made it our purpose to work, it’s not surprising that unemployed people often suffer from feeling lost or confused.
Do you have skills, abilities, or qualifications to provide vocational training for young people? There are plenty of opportunities to educate others so they can support themselves, particularly across MENACA, South Asia and South America.
Missional Business
Whether you’ve dreamed of running a coffee shop, becoming a farmer or selling your art, we’ve got opportunities for you to develop a business from the ground up in cross-cultural contexts. Or, put your skills to good use and help Christians in existing businesses in roles like finance and marketing. Perhaps you’re an accountant, and could you use your skills to serve a missional business, or to set up a firm in a country where your Christian values are counter-cultural? Browse our opportunities in missional business.
Back to school
Long summer holidays, flexible work schedules and learning about what interests you most aren’t the only perks of going back to school. Studying in least-reached places creates amazing chances to build relationships, learn the language, and be a representative for Christ to people who otherwise might not know any Christians. Then, once you’ve graduated, you’re in a great position to use your professional skills in the country and continue life on mission.