The Words of Jesus for Work

Tim Keller gave this sermon on Work in 1996 from 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. We transcribed and post it here because it’s influenced so much of our work. If you’ve read his groundbreaking book, Every Good Endeavor, you will hear the beginnings of it here. The book was published 16 years later.

Do you work to live? Or do you live to work? Modern culture has shaped us to believe that it is a good thing to work so that you can live the rest of your life the way you want to. God is offering us the opportunity to come and work like He does — to creatively create order out of chaos — loving people and enabling them to flourish in new and better ways.

“Your spiritual gifts are as unique perhaps as a fingerprint, thumbprint, or a snowflake. And in someways if you knew completely your spiritual gifts, and nobody does, you would know exactly how the rest of your life should go.”

There are three primary ways to identify your gifts and they revolve around using what you have been given and the opportunities you have to serve others. Watch and see how practical it is to seek and serve the needs of others, especially as you realize everything, everyone, and every moment is spiritual. This transformation and surrender to God’s will leads us to use our gifts as a blessing to others.

You are perfectly equipped. You have everything you need for your life and work. Now is the time — today is the most important day to deploy your gifts. There is deep satisfaction — complete joy — in knowing your gifts and using them for the reason they are given to you.

Joy that surpasses all circumstances is joy that comes from working with Jesus — He is your greatest work partner! Watch to better understand your calling and your purpose — to follow Jesus and do the very same work He did — starting at the place where God has you right now.

Work for your highest, best, and longest use. Quit working for what is temporary achievement, to please others, to pay the bills, or even to put food on the table. The reason you work is what you serve — work for food that lasts forever. Work for the reason you were made. Work for the glory of God!

Working for ultimate reasons is the only way to have lasting joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction. This reason to work is something you can earn. You can’t “do in order to get” this purpose. It’s also something you’re not going to feel a burden about having to do once you accept it. The chief reason for work is offered to you for free. To obtain it you must receive it.