Make Your Work Worship

Introduction

• Opening Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

• Hook: Share a story or anecdote about someone who found deep purpose in their work, such as Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner in Chariots of Fire. He said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” His running was worship, not just winning medals.

Transition: What if we lived each day like that? What if our work wasn’t just a task, but an act of worship? This idea is rooted in the Hebrew word Avodah, which means both work and worship.

Why Work Is Worship

• Scriptural Foundation: Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” From the beginning, God ordained work as a sacred act.

• Concept of Avodah: In Hebrew, there is no divide between the secular and sacred. Our work, when done with the right heart, becomes an offering to God.

• Illustration: Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, is famous for “practicing the presence of God” while performing mundane tasks in the kitchen. He saw peeling potatoes as worship.

• Takeaway: We honor God when we see the divine purpose in what we do, no matter how ordinary it seems.

How to Make Your Work Worship

• Scripture for Reflection: Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

• Three Ways to Transform Work into Worship:

1. Excellence: Are you cutting corners? (Ephesians 6:7 – “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”)

• Example: The craftsmanship of Noah’s Ark or the Temple—both were built with precise, intentional work for God’s glory.

2. Integrity: Doing right when no one sees it. (Matthew 6:4 – “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”)

• Illustration: Share a story of an unsung hero, like a janitor who goes above and beyond.

3. Generosity: Give more than you can receive. (Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”)

• Application: In the workplace, be the one who uplifts, encourages, and serves.

• Quote: Martin Luther said, “The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays—not because she sings a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors.”

Who You Work For

• Scripture for Focus: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

• For the Glory of God: Work is not about impressing bosses, achieving worldly success, or even fulfilling your personal dreams. It’s about reflecting God’s glory.

• Story: The story of Eric Liddell revisited—he refused to run on Sunday because of his faith, showing his ultimate commitment was to God, not man.

• Perspective Shift: When you view work as worship, it shifts from being about productivity to being about purpose.

God Delights in the Process

• Scripture for Encouragement: Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

• God’s Smile: While we often focus on outcomes, God cares about the heart behind the work.

• Illustration: A child presenting a crayon drawing to a parent. The drawing isn’t perfect, but the joy of the child and the love behind it make the parent’s heart swell.

• Encouragement: If you’ve failed, if the results didn’t measure up, remember—God is not grading your product. He’s rejoicing in your process.

Conclusion

• Closing Call: “Will you commit to making your work an act of worship?”

• Actionable Challenge: This week, start each workday by praying: “Lord, let this work bring You glory. Help me work with excellence, integrity, and generosity.”

• Final Encouragement: Remember, God is already smiling at you. But when you honor Him through your work, you make Him smile even bigger.

Closing Prayer: Invite the congregation to surrender their work, tasks, and burdens to God, asking Him to use it all for His glory.