So often we, as Christians working in a hyper competitive marketplace, forget the real reason why we "live and move and exist" (as it says in Acts 17:26). While we can earn a great living through an abundant career, that's not our purpose. It is something so much better and valuable and lasting, it is beyond comprehension.

John 15:16a You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last

Ever Feel Like Ditching Work? I Have!

There are days I go to work and I just don’t feel like being there. In fact, there have been times where dread hit as soon as I got out of bed. There have also been times where I was filled with excitement and joyful anticipation about work, ready to get the day going.

If you are like me, how you feel about work depends on a few key workplace factors:

• Are my skills valued, appreciated and recognized?
• Do I get along well with key individuals, whether they are customers or colleagues?
• Am I a right fit for this role?
• Am I making the income I want to make?
• Is my work exciting and purposeful?

Employee relations, customer interaction, job fit, annual salary, meaningful labor and work effectiveness are part of everyone’s career puzzle. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you work or what your title. We all ask these same questions because it’s OUR career journey. It’s OUR life journey.

We Don't Go to Work for the Same Reasons as Everyone Else

The great news is this: Christians do not go to work for the same reasons everyone else does. We have a higher calling, a greater purpose, a lifelong mission and it doesn’t center around ourselves. It has a focus toward glorifying God in love toward all those around us.

Yes, I just introduced that four letter word into the career equation: L-O-V-E!

There has been such an emphasis on career growth in the American marketplace that it’s hard to think of our professional life in terms that don’t bow to self. When we think about our work in terms of love, we start out with the mindset of Christ. Think about loving that person who demeans us, loving that greedy Board Chair, loving the unreliable customer support person, loving the customer who seems to hate us, loving, loving, loving. Love covers over a multitude of sin. And when we love, we walk in the path of our loving Savior.

Light of the World

On the way to work, say this prayer: “God, help me to be a bright and shining light in the workplace today. Give me strength to choose a humble response in all circumstances. Guide me to show love to those who don’t know you or even want to know you. Teach me how to be the best Christ-like example I can be in all situations, for your glory.”

In the opening verse above, we are called to bear fruit that will last. The primary fruit of the Spirit is love. We can then ask God, in prayer, for the help to be our best. That is how the opening verse ends:

John 15:16b -and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

What a great promise Christ gives us. As we live up to our appointment in Christ, fulfilling our purpose in bearing fruit that will last, walking as He walked, God will answer our prayers and make things clear for us.

Consider this wonderful promise the next time you head into work and strive to keep this at the forefront.

Shawn Sommerkamp is a motivational speaker and Executive Coach with 20+ years of Fortune 100 leadership experience. He founded Motivationeer™ to coach Christian professionals how to use their career to glorify God and support local church growth.