Do you view your work as a calling?

Do you consider that your talents and the ability to use them as a ministry? Do you think those talents and abilities are meant to be a blessing to others at this specific time?

I have always been able to set up technology and debug it easily, and I have often found myself in those settings where that skill is needed. I am happy to use that as a ministry opportunity to others. It doesn’t feel like “work” to me. I enjoy it.

I know it is hard for some of us to believe, but God gave some of us the gift of math. He even gave some of us (like my wife) the ability to teach it to others. God also has given some of us the gifts of music, service, public speaking, organization, or leadership.

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26: There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him? For to the person who is pleasing in his sight, he gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

It is common to look at our work as a burden. But if we are doing what we are called to do, we can enjoy our work. And we are called to this specific time and location with these gifts for a reason.

I mentioned earlier how I felt I am gifted in technology. That skill would not have been very useful 200 years ago. We have many people in our community that are educators or healthcare workers.

These industries are the foundation of our community currently.

As you go through your work, look for ways that you are currently using your gifts to benefit your community and team. And pray that your work is pleasing to God. Then offer encouraging words to those around you who are doing the same.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 23 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.