Why What You Make Matters

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

WHETHER YOUR JOB IS slinging salami or crunching numbers, how you perform and what you produce matters, not simply because it makes the boss happy, moves you toward advancement, or cures Third World hunger. It matters to God because, as His image-bearers, we were created to create. When we do, we reflect God’s glory as the original Artist, Designer, and Creator.

Imagine how this worldview might reorient our callings. An author doesn’t work simply to be published, but to produce good books. A contractor works not simply to make a living, but to build structures whose quality construction reflects the glory of God. A CEO looks beyond the bottom line to the well-being of the employees, whose lives he can influence for good and even for maximum Kingdom impact as people are freed up to work for the benefit of others.

When we have a biblical worldview, we understand that the gospel doesn’t simply get us to heaven but also helps us bring a little bit of heaven to earth by giving us a purpose for everything we do—to glorify God. This mind-set—this reality—allows the daily grind of work to become a canvas to display God’s glory.

What a difference it makes to begin to see all work as God sees it—valuable, important, and a way for us to model His goodness for the benefit of others.

BOTTOM LINE

The gospel renews our vocation, giving eternal significance to our temporal work.

Moment of Strength: Colossians 3:17