By Rick Boxx
Why do you go to work? We can offer many reasons for working, ranging from earning a living to being able to pay off debts to putting into productive use many of our waking hours. But how many of us go to work primarily because we simply enjoy what we are doing?
There is an adage that suggests, “If you love your job, you will never go to work again.” That means if you find enjoyment and fulfillment in what you do, it will not seem like a burden going to work each day.
In the 1981 theatrical film about Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympic runner who also was preparing to become a missionary to China, one particular scene illustrates this truth. Liddell is explaining to his sister why he continues to train for the Olympics even though he has committed his life to missions work.
Liddell agrees with his sister that serving as a missionary is what God has called him to do. Then he adds, “I believe God made me for a purpose – for China. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Have you ever had a time in your work when you too could “feel God’s pleasure”?
This reminds me of a theme King Solomon highlighted in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. After having experienced virtually everything that life could offer – sensory pleasures, wealth, fame, and great success – the king of Israel arrived at this conclusion:
“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him…to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift from God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).
You might ask yourself, ‘Am I doing work that I enjoy, or am I engaged in work that is soul-depleting?’ With many of our waking hours being spent in the workplace, striving to be able to enjoy our work is a beneficial, fruitful pursuit. A question might come to your mind: ‘How can I do this?’ Especially if you do not currently have a job that you find very enjoyable. Here are some principles about work to consider from the Scriptures:
God ordained work for us. Many people regard work as a necessary evil, but from the beginning God designed work as part of our ‘job description’ as human beings. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed [Adam and Eve] and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea…and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” (Genesis 1:27-28).
God has created us uniquely. Like Eric Liddell, the Bible says God has created each of us uniquely and with a purpose. If possible, discover and pursue work that best utilizes your God-given gifts and passions. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).
Wherever we are, God wants us to honor Him. Even if our current job is not as fulfilling as we would like, the Lord has put us there for a reason. Perhaps you could try to restructure it in ways that maximize your gifts and passions, honoring God in the process. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).
© 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- If someone were to ask you, “Do you enjoy your work?” how would you respond? Explain your answer.
- What are the reasons that you go to work? How did your current job come about?
- Have you ever given serious consideration to what your God-given gifts and passions are? If so, what are they? In what ways do you think you are able to express them?
- The Scriptures admonish us to do our work as if we are working directly for God, rather than for human bosses or supervisors. What do you think that means?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
Proverbs 2:11,24, 14:23, 22:29, 27:18; Ecclesiastes 9:15; Colossians 3:17
Challenge for This Week
This week consider this question: If money were not a consideration, would you consider doing the job you currently are doing? With that question in mind, pray about your answer. If you sense the need, find someone – a mentor, trusted friend, or small group of people you know want the best for you – with whom you can discuss how you feel about your work.
If you have not already done so, try to identify the gifts and passions God has given to you. It might help to invite the comments and advice of others.
