Love Turns Work into Ministry
By Rick Warren

“Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives” (Titus 3:14 GNT).

If you’re a follower of Jesus, the way you approach your work should be totally different from the way others approach work.

The Bible says in Titus 3:14, “Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives” (GNT).

For a Christian, there are two purposes of work: to do good (that’s called ministry) and to provide for real needs (that’s called productivity). God wants you to be productive in your work, and he wants you to minister through your work.

Years ago, one of the best-selling books in America was The Dilbert Principle, a business book built around a collection of Dilbert cartoons. It’s about a guy who works in an office but is basically useless. The book contains wisdom on topics such as “Disparaging Your Co-workers,” “Taking Credit for the Work of Others,” “Exaggerating Your Talents,” and “Using the Computer to Look Busy.”

What makes Dilbert cartoons so funny (or not so funny, when you think about it) is that they really reflect the truth about a lot of workplaces. Many people are basically just marking time at work. They’re watching the clock, waiting for the day to be over so they can go home. They don’t enjoy their work, and they certainly don’t produce anything.

On the other hand, there’s a book called the Bible. The Bible says that in your work, God doesn’t want you to mark time. He wants you to mark lives. He wants you to make an impact with your life. He wants you to influence people for good.

“It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others” (Ephesians 2:10 TLB).

We are saved to serve. We are made for ministry! No matter what kind of work you do, God wants you to use your work to help other people. We serve God by serving others.

So, how can your work be a ministry? The Bible says, “Do all your work in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14 GNT).The key to turning your work into a ministry is not what you do. It’s how you do it. When you do your work with an attitude of love, it turns normal, menial work—regardless of what it is—into ministry.

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Daily Hope 2018 Prayer Journal

Learn how to pray prayers that expect answers!

Do you sometimes struggle with how to talk and listen to God? The good news is he longs to hear your prayers, whether it’s a bold cry or a whisper. And your words don’t need to be perfect. He delights in you when you come before him—in thanksgiving and petition.

Jesus says in John 15:7 . . .

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

So the key to praying with hope and expectation is abiding in Christ—and we want to help you do that with the all-new Daily Hope Prayer Journal. Your faith will be strengthened and you will be blessed as you look back on your written prayers and see how God has faithfully answered them.

It has a soft cork-like cover on the outside, while inside you’ll find . . .

• Bible verses and suggestions to help you pray for specific people and situations
• Practical encouragement for your prayer life from Pastor Rick
• Plenty of space to write out your prayer requests and how God answers them

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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.