Flourish Week 4
Notes for the November 8, 2026 message:
Scriptures used: Genesis 1:31-2:2, 15; 3:17; Psalm 147:12-14; Colossians 3:17, 22-24; Ephesians 6:9; Proverbs 11:1; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 22:29
Scriptures referenced: James 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 2:3-5; Matthew 6:26-34
Our Perspective on Work
God wants our faith to flourish wherever we go and in whatever we do—including our jobs and careers.
We work by faith as we walk by faith.
God wants to transform our perspective so that we see our work as an opportunity to worship Him and bring Him glory.
Work Was Part of God's Design
God established work from the very beginning (Genesis 1:31–2:2). Work is an invitation to participate in God’s work.
The Hebrew word for work, abad, also carries the meaning of serving and worshiping. Our work is to be an act of worship to God.
Work is not simply something we do to make a living. It is an opportunity to live out our calling and serve God.
Four Ways Our Faith Flourishes in Our Vocation
1. See Your Work as an Assignment from God.
Martin Luther described our professions as "masks" God wears to care for the world.
Because of the fall, work isn't always easy or enjoyable. There will be challenges, frustrations, and difficult seasons. Even in difficult circumstances, we have an opportunity to honor Christ through our work.
2. Do Your Work Well, Not Just to Get It Done.
If we're working as unto the Lord, we should work with excellence.
Give your work your best effort, regardless of how well your employer treats you.
Excellence includes both the quality of our work and the integrity with which we do it.
When we work with excellence and integrity, we reflect the character of God.
Don't let your job performance become a terrible testimony for Christ.
3. Do Your Work to Bless Others, Not Just Yourself.
Kingdom-minded work isn't driven by selfish ambition or personal recognition.
Instead of asking what we can get out of our work, ask what we can contribute to others through our work.
"What can I do for you?" is a kingdom mentality.
4. Realize You Are a Light in a Dark World.
God redeems us, but He doesn't remove us from the world. He redeems us and calls us to change the world.
Instead of always looking for a way out of a difficult work environment, ask God why He has placed you there.
As our faith flourishes in our workplace, others should begin to notice the difference, in turn creating opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ.
Our work is not separate from the Great Commission. We are called to make disciples wherever God has placed us.
Don't Let Your Work Become Your Identity
The fall distorted our view of work. Without the proper perspective, work can become our source of security, significance, and identity.
Our work should point people to God, not simply point people to us.
When we put all our hope in our jobs, careers, or accomplishments, we make work an idol. Work makes a terrible god, but our Creator is a good God.
When we put our hope in Christ instead of our careers, we can approach work with greater purpose, freedom, and joy.
The Bottom Line
Your work is more than a paycheck; it's an assignment from God and an opportunity to worship Him, bless others, and bring Him glory.
Personal Application & Reflection
Take some time to consider these questions:
Perspective: Do I see my job as simply a way to earn a paycheck, or do I see it as an assignment from God?
Excellence: Am I giving my best effort at work, even when nobody is watching or recognizing it?
Service: Am I looking for ways to bless the people I work with, work for, and serve?
Influence: If someone watched how I work and how I treat people, would they see something different because of my faith?
Identity: Have I allowed my job, career, accomplishments, or financial security to become my primary source of identity and hope?
This Week's Challenge:
Go into your workplace this week with a different perspective. Don't simply go to work to get a paycheck or get through another day. Go with the understanding that God has placed you there for a purpose.
Look for one person you can intentionally bless, give your best effort in everything you do, and look for an opportunity to reflect Christ to someone around you.
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