THE CHRISTIAN AT WORK
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 6:5-9
Key Verse: “And, whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 22:29; Daniel 6:3-5; Colossians 3:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; Titus 2:9-10; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 6:9.
Description: This message teaches believers to honour Christ through diligence, integrity, discipline, respectful relationships, and faithful service in every place of work.
INTRODUCTION
Work is an important part of human life and a significant opportunity to demonstrate Christian character. Whether a person is a civil servant, teacher, trader, artisan, business owner, farmer, professional, pastor, or employee in a private organisation, work provides an avenue to serve others and contribute to society. However, the workplace also presents challenges such as dishonesty, competition, pressure to compromise, conflict with colleagues, unfair treatment, and the temptation to work only when someone is watching. The Christian must learn to navigate these challenges without abandoning biblical principles.
In Ephesians 6:5–9, the Apostle Paul addresses servants and masters, teaching both groups to conduct themselves in a manner that honours Christ. Servants are instructed to work with sincerity of heart, not merely to impress people, but as servants of Christ doing the will of God. Those in authority are equally commanded to treat their subordinates fairly, remembering that they too have a Master in heaven. Although the passage speaks within the historical servant-master relationship, its principles apply to modern employment and leadership: every person is accountable to God for how responsibilities are carried out and how others are treated.
The Christian at work must understand that faith is not restricted to Sunday worship, church meetings, or personal prayer. Our faith must influence our punctuality, honesty, communication, productivity, financial dealings, and relationships with colleagues. A believer who preaches righteousness but practises dishonesty at work damages the credibility of the gospel. Conversely, a Christian who works diligently, treats people fairly, and refuses corruption becomes a practical witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Our goal is not merely to succeed professionally, but to honour God through the way we work.
1. UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR WORK IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE GOD
The Christian must develop a biblical understanding of work. Work is not merely a means of earning money; it is also an opportunity to exercise God-given abilities, meet legitimate needs, support our families, and serve other people. When work is performed honestly and responsibly, it can become an expression of worship to God.
Paul's instruction in Ephesians 6:7 reminds believers to serve with goodwill, as unto the Lord and not merely unto people. This means that our motivation must rise above human approval. Even when supervisors fail to appreciate us, we can remain faithful because our ultimate accountability is to Christ.
a) Work as Unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24)
Paul instructs believers to do whatever they do heartily, as unto the Lord and not unto men. This principle changes how we approach everyday responsibilities.
A Christian teacher should prepare lessons diligently. A trader should measure goods honestly. A mechanic should repair vehicles competently. An office worker should handle documents accurately. A business owner should provide reliable products and services. These responsibilities may appear ordinary, but when performed with integrity, they honour God and benefit people.
Working as unto the Lord does not mean that every employer is always right or that every workplace demand must be accepted. It means that we fulfil legitimate responsibilities with a sincere heart while maintaining our Christian convictions.
Practical Application: Begin your working day by dedicating your duties to God. Ask yourself, “Am I performing this task in a way that honours Christ?”
b) Recognise Work as a God-Given Responsibility (Genesis 2:15)
Before the fall of humanity, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. This shows that productive responsibility was part of God's original purpose for humanity.
Work itself is not a curse, although sin introduced frustration, hardship, and conflict into human labour. Through responsible work, people cultivate resources, develop skills, provide services, and contribute to the well-being of others.
Christians should therefore avoid despising honest labour. No legitimate occupation should be considered shameful merely because it lacks prestige. What matters is whether the work is lawful, honest, beneficial, and performed in a manner consistent with God's Word.
Practical Application: Value your legitimate work, develop your abilities, and perform your responsibilities with gratitude rather than shame or carelessness.
c) Work with a Sense of Purpose (Ephesians 2:10)
Paul teaches that believers are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works that God has prepared for them to walk in. Our lives should therefore produce actions that reflect His character and serve others.
A Christian's purpose at work includes more than personal advancement. We should seek to provide useful service, solve problems honestly, support our families responsibly, and contribute positively to our communities. Professional achievement becomes more meaningful when it is joined with godly character.
We must also remember that not every opportunity is God's approval of every method used to obtain it. Advancement gained through fraud or exploitation cannot be justified simply because it appears successful.
Practical Application: Identify how your work benefits others, and look for ways to improve the quality and usefulness of the service you provide.
d) Remain Faithful in Every Season (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Paul encourages believers to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that their labour is not in vain.
There will be seasons when work is rewarding and seasons when it is difficult. You may face an unkind supervisor, delayed promotion, low income, or limited opportunities. Such challenges can test your attitude and commitment.
Faithfulness does not mean refusing to seek better working conditions or ignoring exploitation. It means maintaining integrity and a responsible spirit while taking wise steps to address difficulties. You can seek improvement without becoming dishonest or bitter.
Practical Application: When work becomes difficult, seek God's wisdom, evaluate your options, and continue to act with integrity while pursuing legitimate solutions.
Biblical Example: Joseph in Potiphar's House (Genesis 39:1-6)
Joseph served Potiphar faithfully and was entrusted with increasing responsibility because his master recognised his reliability. Even in an unfamiliar land and under difficult circumstances, Joseph maintained a responsible attitude. His example teaches that our circumstances do not have to determine the quality of our character.
2. BE DILIGENT, PUNCTUAL, AND PRODUCTIVE
A Christian at work should be known for diligence rather than laziness, reliability rather than excuses, and excellence rather than carelessness. Spirituality does not remove the need for preparation, discipline, and skill. Instead, our relationship with Christ should motivate us to become more responsible.
Diligence does not mean that we will never make mistakes or experience fatigue. It means that we take our responsibilities seriously, work to improve, and fulfil our commitments as faithfully as our circumstances allow.
a) Be Diligent in Your Work (Proverbs 22:29)
The Bible speaks of a person diligent in his work who will stand before kings. Diligence involves giving careful attention to assigned responsibilities and consistently seeking to perform them well.
A diligent worker does not wait until a supervisor complains before completing an assignment. Such a person takes initiative, follows instructions, seeks clarification when necessary, and looks for better ways to accomplish legitimate tasks.
Diligence also includes learning. As technology, professional standards, and workplace needs change, we should be willing to improve our knowledge and skills. Prayer for success should be accompanied by responsible effort.
Practical Application: Identify an area of your work where you can improve your skill, speed, accuracy, or quality, and take a practical step towards improvement.
b) Respect Time and Keep Appointments (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
The Bible teaches that there is a time for every purpose. Time is a valuable resource, and how we use it affects our productivity and our relationships with others.
Repeated lateness, unnecessary delays, and failure to meet agreed deadlines can create difficulties for colleagues and customers. A Christian should plan carefully, arrive punctually, and communicate promptly when unexpected circumstances arise.
There may be genuine emergencies that prevent us from meeting a commitment. In such situations, responsibility requires honest communication and reasonable efforts to minimise the inconvenience caused.
Practical Application: Prepare for your workday in advance, organise your tasks, and respect the time commitments you make to others.
c) Avoid Laziness and Unnecessary Excuses (Proverbs 6:6-11)
The writer of Proverbs points to the ant as an example of diligence and preparation. The ant works without needing constant supervision and prepares for the future.
At work, laziness may appear as wasting time, neglecting duties, frequently avoiding assignments, or expecting colleagues to carry one's responsibilities. Such conduct places an unfair burden on others and damages trust.
However, not every reduction in productivity is caused by laziness. Illness, disability, inadequate resources, excessive workloads, and unsafe conditions can affect performance. A wise Christian seeks to understand the actual cause of a problem and responds appropriately rather than judging people carelessly.
Practical Application: Take responsibility for your duties, avoid wasting working hours, and seek help or clarification when genuine obstacles prevent you from completing an assignment.
d) Seek Excellence in Your Performance (Daniel 6:3)
Daniel distinguished himself because an excellent spirit was in him. His competence and integrity made him stand out among the officials around him.
Excellence involves doing honest work carefully and consistently. It means checking details, meeting reasonable standards, learning from mistakes, and accepting constructive feedback. It is not the same as perfectionism, which may create unnecessary fear and delay.
The Christian should aim to produce work that is useful, accurate, and trustworthy. Excellence must never be pursued through dishonest shortcuts, bribery, manipulation, or the exploitation of others.
Practical Application: Review the quality of your work regularly. Correct errors, learn from feedback, and strive for improvement without compromising your integrity.
Biblical Example: Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 6:1-5)
Daniel's excellent spirit and faithfulness made him stand out in government service. His opponents examined his conduct but could not find legitimate corruption or negligence in his work. His life demonstrates that a believer can serve effectively in a demanding professional environment without abandoning godly standards.
3. MAINTAIN INTEGRITY AND HONESTY AT WORK
Integrity is essential to Christian conduct. It means being truthful, trustworthy, and consistent in public and private. The workplace often involves money, records, equipment, information, and relationships of trust. These responsibilities must be handled according to God's standards.
A Christian should not justify dishonesty because other people are doing it or because an organisation appears unlikely to discover the wrongdoing. Our commitment is to Christ, who knows the truth and calls His followers to walk in righteousness.
a) Reject Dishonesty and Fraud (Proverbs 11:1)
The Bible declares that a false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. God cares about honesty in trade and business.
A Christian must not cheat customers, falsify invoices, manipulate financial records, misrepresent products, or steal from an employer. Likewise, business owners should not knowingly sell defective goods as perfect or make promises they have no intention of keeping.
Dishonesty may appear to provide quick benefits, but it damages trust and can bring serious consequences. Honest work may sometimes require patience and sacrifice, but it preserves a clear conscience and honours God.
Practical Application: Review your transactions, records, and claims. Ensure that your dealings are honest, accurate, and transparent.
b) Be Faithful with Money and Property (Luke 16:10-12)
Jesus taught that faithfulness in little things reveals character. The way we handle small responsibilities can show whether we are prepared to manage greater ones.
Employees may be entrusted with cash, vehicles, stock, office equipment, or confidential records. These resources should not be used for personal benefit without proper permission. Business owners and ministry leaders should also manage funds responsibly and maintain appropriate records.
Financial integrity includes refusing to inflate expenses, divert funds, falsify receipts, or misuse resources simply because no one is likely to notice. Trust is a responsibility, not an opportunity for personal exploitation.
Practical Application: Keep accurate records, respect property entrusted to you, and seek proper authorisation before using workplace resources for purposes outside your assignment.
c) Refuse Bribery and Corrupt Practices (Exodus 23:8)
Scripture warns against bribery because it can distort judgement and undermine justice. Christians must not allow the desire for promotion, contracts, favourable decisions, or financial gain to lead them into corruption.
Some workplaces may normalise improper payments or dishonest arrangements. However, the fact that a practice is common does not make it right. Believers must learn to distinguish legitimate fees and lawful business practices from payments intended to manipulate decisions unfairly.
Refusing corruption may require courage and careful planning. Seek lawful alternatives, document relevant concerns where appropriate, and use responsible reporting channels when wrongdoing occurs.
Practical Application: Decide in advance that you will not use bribery, fraud, or dishonest influence to obtain an advantage.
d) Be Trustworthy with Confidential Information (Proverbs 11:13)
Proverbs contrasts a talebearer who reveals secrets with a faithful person who keeps a matter confidential. This principle applies to workplace records, customer information, personnel matters, and sensitive business information.
A Christian should not spread private information to embarrass others, gain attention, or create conflict. Professional trust requires discretion and respect for legitimate confidentiality obligations.
At the same time, confidentiality should not be used as a reason to conceal abuse, criminal conduct, or serious wrongdoing. When disclosure is necessary, it should be made through appropriate channels and with respect for the facts and relevant laws.
Practical Application: Protect confidential information, avoid workplace gossip, and report serious concerns responsibly rather than spreading rumours.
Biblical Example: Samuel's Integrity (1 Samuel 12:1-5)
Samuel invited the people of Israel to testify whether he had defrauded, oppressed, or exploited anyone during his leadership. They acknowledged his integrity. His example shows the importance of being able to account honestly for how we have used our position and responsibilities.
4. MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEAGUES AND SUPERVISORS
The workplace brings people together from different backgrounds, temperaments, and experiences. Disagreements may arise over decisions, responsibilities, performance, or resources. The Christian must learn to handle such situations with wisdom, patience, respect, and truth.
Good relationships do not require us to agree with everyone. They require us to communicate appropriately, respect legitimate authority, address conflict constructively, and refuse conduct that humiliates or harms others.
a) Respect Legitimate Authority (Ephesians 6:5)
Paul instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with sincerity of heart. This principle encourages employees to respect lawful workplace authority and fulfil legitimate instructions responsibly.
A Christian should not be deliberately rebellious, insulting, or careless simply because a supervisor has personal weaknesses. Disagreements can be raised respectfully, and clarification can be requested without contempt.
However, respect for authority does not require participation in wrongdoing. If an employer instructs an employee to falsify records, commit fraud, or harm another person, the Christian must refuse the wrongdoing and seek an appropriate way to address the situation.
Practical Application: Follow legitimate instructions diligently and communicate respectfully, while maintaining your convictions when asked to do something wrong.
b) Control Your Words and Attitude (Ephesians 4:29)
Paul teaches believers to speak words that build others up according to their needs. Our communication should be truthful, helpful, and appropriate to the situation.
Insults, gossip, sarcasm, shouting, and public humiliation can damage workplace relationships. A Christian should learn to raise concerns clearly without attacking another person's dignity. When correction is necessary, it should focus on the issue rather than becoming a personal assault.
Good communication also requires listening. Sometimes a disagreement can be resolved simply by asking questions, clarifying expectations, and understanding the other person's perspective.
Practical Application: Before responding to a frustrating colleague, pause and consider whether your words are truthful, respectful, and likely to help resolve the problem.
c) Avoid Envy and Unhealthy Competition (Philippians 2:3-4)
Paul instructs believers to reject selfish ambition and consider the interests of others. This principle challenges envy, rivalry, and the desire to succeed at another person's expense.
Some workers try to advance by undermining colleagues, taking credit for another person's work, withholding useful information, or spreading damaging rumours. Such behaviour contradicts Christian love and weakens cooperation.
Healthy ambition can motivate us to improve our skills and perform well. The problem arises when ambition becomes dishonest, hostile, or destructive. A Christian can pursue advancement while celebrating the legitimate success of others.
Practical Application: Give credit where it is due, cooperate with colleagues, and pursue professional growth without undermining other people.
d) Pursue Peace While Standing for What Is Right (Romans 12:18)
Paul teaches believers to live peaceably with all people as far as it depends on them. This encourages us to avoid unnecessary quarrels and seek reasonable solutions when conflict arises.
A Christian should be willing to apologise when wrong, listen to correction, and forgive where appropriate. However, peace should not be confused with silence in the face of abuse or injustice. Some matters require formal complaints, mediation, or other lawful intervention.
The goal is not merely to avoid uncomfortable conversations. It is to handle disagreements in a manner that respects truth, justice, and the dignity of everyone involved.
Practical Application: Address conflicts calmly and constructively. If a matter is serious or unsafe, seek appropriate support rather than allowing it to continue unchecked.
Biblical Example: Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:5-12)
When tension developed between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot, Abraham proposed a peaceful arrangement to prevent the disagreement from destroying their relationship. His example demonstrates the value of humility and practical conflict resolution. Peace often requires thoughtful decisions rather than unnecessary rivalry.
5. EMPLOYERS AND LEADERS MUST TREAT PEOPLE FAIRLY
Ephesians 6:9 reminds masters that they also have a Master in heaven and must stop threatening those under their authority. The principle applies to employers, supervisors, managers, business owners, and leaders in the Church.
Authority is a responsibility entrusted to us, not permission to oppress others. A Christian leader must remember that employees and subordinates are people with dignity and that God holds leaders accountable for how they exercise power.
a) Treat Workers with Respect (Ephesians 6:9)
Paul commands masters to treat those under their authority rightly and warns against threatening them. Christian leadership must therefore be free from intimidation, humiliation, and arbitrary cruelty.
Employers should communicate expectations clearly, provide reasonable supervision, and address performance issues fairly. Workers should be corrected where necessary, but correction must not become an excuse for abuse.
Respect also means recognising that employees have legitimate needs and responsibilities outside the workplace. Leaders should exercise authority with wisdom and fairness rather than demanding unreasonable sacrifices merely to demonstrate power.
Practical Application: If you supervise people, ensure that your instructions, corrections, and decisions are respectful, fair, and consistent with legitimate workplace standards.
b) Pay Workers What They Are Rightfully Owed (James 5:4)
James warns against withholding the wages of labourers who have worked. This reveals God's concern for people who are denied the compensation they have earned.
Christian employers should honour agreed payment terms and avoid making promises they cannot reasonably fulfil. If genuine financial difficulties arise, they should communicate honestly and seek lawful, fair arrangements rather than exploiting workers.
Financial stewardship requires responsible planning, accurate accounting, and realistic commitments. An employer cannot justify habitual non-payment by claiming to be a Christian while ignoring the legitimate needs of employees.
Practical Application: Honour payment agreements, keep accurate records, and address payment difficulties promptly and transparently.
c) Lead Through Service Rather Than Domination (Mark 10:42-45)
Jesus taught that greatness in His kingdom is expressed through service rather than domination. This principle should influence how Christians exercise leadership in workplaces and businesses.
A good leader provides direction, supports staff development, removes unnecessary obstacles, and accepts responsibility for decisions. Leadership is not merely about issuing orders; it is about helping people work towards legitimate goals while maintaining appropriate standards.
Servant leadership does not eliminate accountability or discipline. Instead, it ensures that authority is used to accomplish the work fairly and responsibly, rather than to satisfy personal pride.
Practical Application: Use your position to help others succeed. Give clear instructions, provide constructive feedback, and take responsibility for your leadership decisions.
d) Remember Your Accountability to God (Romans 14:12)
Paul teaches that each person will give an account of himself to God. Leaders must therefore recognise that no position makes them morally untouchable.
An employer may escape criticism from employees, but cannot escape God's knowledge. A manager may possess influence, but must still answer to the Lord for how that influence was used. This should encourage humility, transparency, and a willingness to correct mistakes.
Christian leaders should welcome appropriate oversight, handle resources carefully, and create fair procedures for resolving complaints. Accountability protects both the people being led and the integrity of the organisation.
Practical Application: Regularly review your leadership decisions. Ask whether you have treated people fairly, managed resources responsibly, and remained accountable for your actions.
Biblical Example: Boaz and His Workers (Ruth 2:4-16)
Boaz greeted his workers respectfully and showed kindness to Ruth when she came to glean in his field. He gave instructions that protected her dignity and provided practical assistance. His example demonstrates that a leader can maintain productivity while showing compassion, fairness, and respect.
6. LET YOUR WORKPLACE BECOME A WITNESS FOR CHRIST
The workplace is an important place for Christian witness. Many people will form an impression of our faith through the way we conduct ourselves at work. Our integrity, diligence, kindness, and reliability can demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel.
Christian witness should not be reduced to preaching at colleagues while neglecting our duties. Rather, our conduct should support our words. We should perform our work responsibly, respect others, and be prepared to speak about our faith when appropriate.
a) Let Your Light Shine Through Your Conduct (Matthew 5:16)
Jesus commands His followers to let their light shine before others so that people may see their good works and glorify the Father in heaven.
A Christian can shine at work by being honest, dependable, respectful, and willing to help. A business owner can demonstrate Christlike values by treating customers fairly and honouring agreements. An employee can demonstrate faith through diligence and a refusal to participate in corruption.
People may not immediately agree with our beliefs, but our conduct should not contradict the gospel we proclaim. Good works can provide a visible testimony to the character of Christ.
Practical Application: Choose one practical way to demonstrate Christlike character at work this week, such as helping a colleague, correcting an error honestly, or treating a difficult customer respectfully.
b) Be Ready to Explain Your Faith (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Peter instructs believers to be ready to give a reason for the hope within them, with meekness and respect. This teaches Christians to communicate their faith thoughtfully rather than aggressively.
When colleagues ask about our beliefs, we should respond honestly and graciously. We should not ridicule people with different views or use our professional position to pressure them into religious participation.
A consistent Christian life can open the door to meaningful conversations about forgiveness, hope, prayer, and the transforming work of Jesus Christ.
Practical Application: Learn to explain your faith clearly and respectfully. Be ready to share your testimony when a genuine opportunity arises.
c) Become Known for Trustworthiness (Titus 2:9-10)
Paul urges servants to conduct themselves in a way that honours the teaching of God our Saviour. His instruction highlights the relationship between Christian conduct and the credibility of the gospel.
Trustworthiness is demonstrated when we keep promises, protect entrusted resources, tell the truth, and fulfil our responsibilities. People should be able to rely on a Christian's word and expect honest dealing.
Trust takes time to establish and can be damaged by careless or dishonest actions. When we make mistakes, we should acknowledge them, correct what we can, and demonstrate change through consistent conduct.
Practical Application: Honour your commitments, communicate truthfully, and work to become a person whose word can be trusted.
d) Work Quietly and Responsibly (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Paul encourages believers to live responsibly, attend to their own affairs, work with their hands, and conduct themselves properly towards outsiders. This instruction highlights the value of honest labour and a disciplined life.
Christians should avoid unnecessary workplace drama, constant quarrels, and careless interference in matters that do not concern them. We should focus on our responsibilities and contribute positively to the working environment.
Responsible conduct can strengthen our testimony and reduce unnecessary burdens on others. It shows that faith in Christ should produce practical responsibility, not an excuse for disorder or negligence.
Practical Application: Focus on your assigned responsibilities, avoid needless disputes, and let your conduct demonstrate maturity, discipline, and Christian love.
Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:44-47)
The early Christians demonstrated generosity, fellowship, and practical care for one another. Their conduct was visible to the surrounding community, and their shared life accompanied their proclamation of the gospel. Their example reminds us that Christian faith should produce observable love, integrity, and service.
CONCLUSION
The Christian at work must understand that the workplace is not separate from the lordship of Jesus Christ. Our faith should influence our diligence, punctuality, honesty, communication, relationships, and use of authority. Ephesians 6:5–9 teaches employees to serve sincerely and leaders to act fairly because everyone is accountable to the same heavenly Master. We must reject dishonesty, laziness, bribery, gossip, exploitation, and every practice that contradicts the character of Christ.
Wherever God has placed you, make your work an expression of your faith. Serve diligently without compromising integrity, respect authority without surrendering your Christian convictions, and pursue peace without ignoring wrongdoing. If you are an employee, fulfil your responsibilities faithfully; if you are an employer, treat people justly; if you are self-employed, conduct your business honestly. May the Holy Spirit help you represent Christ through your daily work so that your life will bring glory to God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me honour You through my daily work, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, deliver me from laziness, dishonesty, and carelessness, in Jesus name.
3. Father, give me wisdom to handle workplace challenges, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, help me maintain integrity when nobody is watching, in Jesus name.
5. Father, teach me to treat colleagues with love and respect, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, give me courage to reject corruption and dishonest gain, in Jesus name.
7. Father, make me diligent, dependable, and excellent in my duties, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, help me exercise authority with fairness and compassion, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let my conduct at work draw others towards Christ, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, make me a faithful witness for You wherever I work, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You will honour Christ through your conduct at work.
2. You will grow in diligence, wisdom, and professional excellence.
3. You will have the courage to reject dishonesty and corruption.
4. You will become known for integrity and dependability.
5. You will handle workplace challenges with wisdom and grace.
6. You will be a source of peace, cooperation, and encouragement.
7. You will exercise authority with fairness and humility.
8. You will use your gifts and skills to serve others faithfully.
9. Your conduct will strengthen your Christian testimony.
10. You will remain faithful to Christ in every responsibility entrusted to you, in the mighty name of Jesus.
