Biblical Answer

Honoring God in Secular Work

The question of honoring God in a secular job is a complex one. The book of Job highlights the tension between serving God and serving others. Job's pride in his achievement should not be misunderstood. He was not serving God out of self-interest, but rather out of a desire to serve others and make a positive impact on the world. This understanding is crucial for Christians working in secular jobs.

Cooperating with God in Secular Work

Every form of work in which we see ourselves as cooperating with God in the service of others merits the job description Christian ministry. This means that Christians can honor God in secular jobs by recognizing that their work is a form of ministry. They can do this by asking themselves if their work is being done to the glory of God. Can I do it in his name, on his authority, with his approval? Can I thank him for it? Whatever they do, in word or deed, they should do everything in the honor of God (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:23). This means that they should use their abilities, opportunities, and inclinations to glorify God, offering up their work as a spiritual sacrifice to him (Rom 12:1-2).

Glorifying God in Secular Work

Christians can also honor God in secular jobs by recognizing that their work should help honor the Lord. This can be done by engaging in business that supports God's work and is carried out in the context of relationships and good stewardship of both time and money. This approach to work is not only pleasing to God, but it also gives a spiritually healthy foundation to one's life. In this way, Christians can live out their faith in the workplace, using their secular jobs as a means to glorify God and serve others. Ultimately, this is the key to honoring God in secular work. By recognizing that our work is a form of ministry and using our abilities to glorify God, we can live out our faith in the workplace and bring glory to God. (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:23; Rom 12:1-2) Ask yourself, can I glorify God in my secular job? Can I do my work in a way that honors God? Can I use my work to serve others and make a positive impact on the world? If the answer is yes, then you are honoring God in your secular job. If the answer is no, then you need to re-examine your priorities and ask God to help you to live out your faith in the workplace. Remember, every form of work in which we see ourselves as cooperating with God in the service of others merits the job description Christian ministry. Do not be in too great a hurry to discover God's will for your life. God is not limited by your job description. He is free to bless you doubly without the prospect of further accusation that you only serve Him out of self-interest. So, go ahead and glorify God in your secular job. Use your work to serve others and make a positive impact on the world. And, remember, whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the honor of God. (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:23)