Since the beginning when humans were created, God has blessed us with, and designed us for, the gift of work. Whether it involves labour to support ourselves and our dependents, caring for our homes and families, or serving others in need, work can bring us dignity, purpose, and independence in our lives.

However, work alone does not bring meaning or salvation. Work for personal gain or recognition will leave us unfulfilled; but treating work reverently as a divine calling transforms it into an opportunity to worship and serve God. We can do this by striving to emulate the characteristics of His work in ours, asking the Holy Spirit to help us work with excellence, productiveness, faithfulness, humility, industriousness, creativity and wisdom. Above all, we can use our work as an opportunity to show love to others, whether through the direct fruits of our labours, or by endeavouring to represent Jesus in our dealings with the people with whom and for whom we work.

The Apostle Paul repeatedly encourages us to work willingly and enthusiastically, as though for the Lord rather than for people (Ephesians 6:6-7; Colossians 3:23). When we joyfully and diligently dedicate our work to the Lord, commit to serving His will rather than our own, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in all our dealings, we allow His character and purpose to permeate and be reflected in what we do. In this way, no matter what our work is, or how mundane it may seem, we may serve, honour and glorify Him.

Pray for people in professions, for medical professionals, teachers, police officers, councillors, for all those who have influence, for creative inspiration for new ideas and inventions, for wisdom and understanding in decision making.