A few months ago, I put in an order for a farewell plaque to give to a departing leader. I wanted to get home for dinner. I had no intention of getting into a discussion on my views on faith and work. The owner of the shop asked me if I would submit a Google review. I casually mentioned that I was a writer and that I would be happy to write a positive review. He expressed interest in my writing. When I mentioned my book, he asked me to tell him a little bit more, which I gladly did.

In the brief conversation that followed, he told me of his biggest challenge, which I imagine is common for all small business owners. He and his wife worked seven days a week for many years to build the business and keep up with orders. It seems to be doing well, as it is the only one of its kind on our Army post, and they create beautiful gifts. They do quality work in a timely manner for a fair price, so they stay busy. I listened and encouraged him the best I could.

As I went out to my car, it occurred to me that all of us who shop have an opportunity to shine the light of God’s presence with store owners, employees, customers, or fellow shoppers. I invite you to consider how we can take our understanding and experience of the theology of work into others’ workplaces. We want to be able to minister to others as the Holy Spirit leads to glorify the God who is very much present in our work, gives work meaning, and helps us along the way.

God is Present in our Work

The first thing we want to acknowledge is that most adults we meet are happy to talk about their work. They may or may not like it, but either way, they are likely to open up if we show interest. (Note: I encourage you to read an article I wrote a while ago, discussing thorns and thistles.)

What makes the good news so compelling is that he has reconciled us to God by paying the penalty for our sins. Because sin is out of the way, we can have a relationship with God the Father. Our God is always present with us, not only in church, but at home and at work.

Knowing that God is present with us at work (which I refer to as Immanuel labor) and walking in that biblical principle every day manifests itself in very practical ways. When we are looking for a job, we are confident that God will provide in his time. When we start that new job, we know that God has a purpose for us. When work is hard, we know that God will give us strength.

When we intentionally connect with workers who are our brothers or sisters in Christ, we can remind them that God is with them, whatever their situation. If they have not come to faith in Jesus, we can give them more than just hope of eternal life when they die, but of abundant life here and now. When we are transformed by the gospel, we will see work in a whole new light.

God Gives Work Meaning

There seems to be a universal misunderstanding among all workers that work is meaningless. This is biblical, as the book of Ecclesiastes indicated, “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’ What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” (Eccl. 1:2-3). If you know the context of this book, you know that the writer is describing work “under the sun.” However, for those who understand the concept that God is present in our work, our work is not in vain when we work “under the Son!”

One thing I like to do when I have received some assistance in a store, restaurant, doctor’s office, or anywhere people work is to point out how much their work means to me. I try to express genuine thanks for their professional service, whether it was helping me find an item I needed, bringing me a delicious meal, or getting me prepped for surgery. I will often tell them that they were an answer to prayer and that God used them to meet the needs of me and my family.

I make a point to share with those who have the time to listen one biblical principle that may change their life: Their ordinary, everyday, sometimes meaningless work has a higher purpose. Whether they know it or not, God showed his love for us in their work, regardless of whether they know him or not. These truths contain a great deal of hope that might spark a conversation later. We read in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

God Helps Us When Work is Hard

In addition to work feeling like it is in vain most of the time, the average worker also knows that work is normally much harder than it needs to be. They may or may not know that this is because of Adam’s sin, as well as the sin of our bosses, coworkers, employees, customers, and most importantly, ourselves.

Even though the work of Christians will not get any easier in this life until the curse of work is lifted after Jesus returns (see Rev. 22:3), we are transformed in many ways that help equip us to handle work’s challenges:

• We have renewed minds to be able to see trials as opportunities to trust God.
• We receive strength to endure when we come boldly to the throne of grace.
• We know that God works all things out for our good and for his purposes.
• We have the fruit of the Spirit, which helps us to be patient, kind, and at peace.
• We have access to wisdom from God whenever we ask for it in faith.

The things I pointed out above are clear “selling points” to non-Christians when we have the chance to discuss how God clearly helps us when we struggle at our own places of employment.

Closing Thoughts

I had a chaplain I served with several years ago who frequently reminded us, “The gospel changes everything.” One of the places we see the gospel of Jesus Christ bring good news is our workplaces. There, God uses us as his coworkers just as he did with Adam and Eve in the creation narrative. The fall of man through Adam’s sin and the curse on work is seen every day. The redemption Jesus brings to his followers transforms us in Christlikeness, enabling us to love our neighbors at work. The restoration that will come at Jesus’s return gives us hope.

Christians have the answers to the questions those who work with us in our workplaces and in other workplaces are asking: Does my work have any meaning? Why is it so hard? Where can I find strength to get through the day? We can bring light into the dark places wherever we visit.

I encourage you to pursue practicing the presence of God in your own workspaces and be open to bringing his presence with you to places where you eat, shop, and do business. There are divine appointments waiting for us to show up and share the God of hope with those who have none.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on the author’s blog. Republishes with permission.