I just finished reading the book, The Gospel At Work by Greg Gilbert and Sebastian Traeger.  All I can say it was like a breath of fresh air.  It was simple, straightforward, informative, practical, and most of all theologically sound.  It is 160 pages of pure goodness.  I cannot recommend this book enough.

They authors did a fabulous job of showing how we can easily become idle in our job or treat them as idols.  Both of those temptation are futile and will produce discontentment.  The real reason we work is to make much of our King, Jesus Christ, and to serve others with the love of God.  Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

If we as Christians really approached our jobs as a means to make much of Jesus Christ and to reveal Him to our co-workers through our actions and words, then what a difference this world would be.  No longer would we be changing jobs left and right simply for more money.  But we would make our work decisions based upon how can we most glorify Jesus.  No longer would we be approaching our jobs as something to give us worth and make us feel good about ourselves.  But because of God’s grace in us we would go to work so others would see the grace that Jesus offers and they too would be saved and given eternal life.

This book tackles questions like how to share the gospel at work, how to be a good employee, how to be a good boss, how to work with difficult co-workers and bosses, how to choose a job and so much more.

Here are a few quotes that I enjoyed from the book:

• “Work is not just a way to pass the time and make money.  Your job is actually service that you render to the Lord himself!” (16).
• “Our jobs were never intended to carry the weigh of providing us with ultimate, lasting satisfaction.” (28).
• “Here’s the fundamental problem with letting our work become an idol: There is always more that can be done, more that can be achieved.  There is always a “What’s next?” to pursue.  We can always improve our work just a little more.  We can always help more people, make the city a little bit better.  Wee can always make our work a little more efficient and a little easier.  The goalposts keep moving, and satisfaction proves elusive.” (31).
• “However menial, however boring, however unmatched to our interests, our jobs are one of the key ways in which God matures us as Christians and brings glory to himself.  God as a purpose for our work.” (39).
• “Yes, money is important.  Yes, advancement in your career can be good.  Yes, you want to help your boss and do a good job.  But ultimately you are in your job so you learn to love God and other people better.  This is your new assignment.” (49).