In our last article, we looked at the biblical concept of shalom — not just peace in the absence of conflict, but a wholeness, a harmony, a flourishing of life as God intended. It’s a powerful picture.
But here’s a follow-up question that often bubbles beneath the surface, especially in conversations I’ve had with business leaders over the years:
“Sure, I see how pastors, missionaries, doctors, or nurses contribute to God’s work. But what about me? I’m a salesman. Or a mechanic. Or a technician. Does my work really matter in the grand story of God?”
If you’ve ever asked that question—or if someone in your organization has—then this article is for you.
Because the answer is a resounding yes.
Let’s talk about how the actual work you do every day can be a vital part of restoring shalom in the world. This is the heart of what we mean by work and shalom.
Work and Shalom in God’s Design
Let’s go back to the beginning.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” — Genesis 2:15
That’s before the fall. Before sin entered the world. In other words, work is not a punishment—it’s part of God’s original blessing. He designed us to create, cultivate, maintain, and build.
This wasn’t just spiritual work—it was physical, hands-in-the-dirt labor. It was meaningful. It brought about good. And it reflected the character of a God who creates and sustains.
That’s the foundation for a theology of work and shalom: God made us to work—and work is good.
Shalom Needs Every Kind of Worker
In today’s culture—and sadly, even in the church—we often fall into the trap of ranking vocations. We often refer to “higher callings,” typically in the context of ministry, medicine, or education. And those are absolutely important.
But what about the mechanic who keeps ambulances running?
The HVAC technician who ensures clean air in a hospital?
The plant worker who helps assemble dialysis machines?
The janitor who scrubs the school floor where your grandchild walks?
They all matter.
Every honest job that provides value, serves people, and helps uphold the fabric of society contributes to the restoration of shalom. It enables communities to flourish. It meets real human needs. And in doing so, it reflects the heart of God. This is precisely why work and shalom go hand in hand.
Jesus Worked with His Hands
Let’s not skip over this one.
For nearly 30 years, the Son of God worked with wood and stone. Before He healed the sick or preached the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spent His days as a carpenter or builder—creating things, fixing things, working in obscurity.
Think about that.
God didn’t choose to come as a politician, priest, or philosopher first. He came as a tradesman.
By doing that, Jesus validated the dignity of manual labor. He showed us firsthand that ordinary work, done faithfully, is extraordinarily valuable in the eyes of the Father.
Work Is How We Love Our Neighbor
Martin Luther once said, “God milks the cows through the vocation of the milkmaid.”
It may sound quaint, but he was pointing to a profound truth: work is one of the primary ways we serve others. It’s how we love our neighbors in real, tangible ways.
The barista who remembers your name and greets you with a smile might be the only person to show kindness to that lonely customer all week.
The delivery driver who shows up in a rainstorm with someone’s medication just served like Christ would.
The plumber who restores clean water to a family’s home has restored more than pipes—he’s restored dignity and comfort.
That’s not just work—that’s kingdom work. It’s also work, and shalom lived out in everyday life.
In the New Creation, We’ll Work Too
Sometimes people think heaven will be a never-ending choir rehearsal in the clouds. But the Bible paints a more vibrant picture.
In Isaiah 65:21–22, God describes His restored creation as a place where people build houses and live in them, plant vineyards and enjoy their fruit.
There’s still work—but it’s joyful, fruitful, and free from toil.
That means work isn’t temporary. It’s eternal. Redeemed, yes—but still a part of God’s design for flourishing. In other words, Work is woven into shalom.
Your Work Has Eternal Value
So, whether you sell insurance, tune engines, troubleshoot networks, manage accounts, or sweep floors, don’t believe the lie that your work is second-class.
When you do your job with excellence, integrity, and a heart to serve, you’re participating in God’s ongoing work of restoring shalom to a broken world.
You’re not just making a living.
You’re making a difference.
You are part of the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight—that beautiful vision of shalom Dr. Cornelius Plantinga once described as “the way things ought to be.”
And that, my friend, is no small thing. It is the essence of work and shalom.
Action Steps for Christian Leaders
If you’re leading others—whether in a small business, a corporation, or a church—consider how you might affirm the dignity of work in every role. Here’s how:
- Affirm the value of every job. Remind your team that their work, no matter how seemingly ordinary, contributes to human flourishing and reflects God’s character. Every role is integral to God’s mission of shalom restoration.
- Celebrate faithful work, not just flashy results. Productivity is good—but so is quiet integrity and daily diligence.
- Draw connections between tasks and service. Help people see how their work benefits others, even indirectly.
- Teach a theology of work. Don’t assume people know this. Equip them with biblical truth that dignifies their calling.
- Model the heart of a servant. If Jesus could wash feet and hammer nails, we can lead with humility in our own spheres of influence.
Discussion Questions for Groups or Teams
These questions are designed to help your team or small group reflect on the connection between work and shalom—and how each person’s role carries eternal significance.
- What kind of work have you been tempted to view as “less spiritual”? Why?
- How does your current role contribute to the well-being of others?
- What changes when you view your work as part of God’s mission of shalom?
- How can we better affirm the dignity of every role within our workplace or church?
- What would it look like to make shalom your daily goal?
More Articles on Leadership Development
I’ve written numerous other articles on leadership development. You can search for “leadership development” in the search bar to read them. Here are a few of my most recent favorites:
- #655: 5 Powerful Principles of Shalom in Leadership
- #635: 5 Leadership Lessons from God’s Questions in the Bible
- #624: What Eli, Moses, and Saul Teach Us About Leadership Transitions
- #623: Molded by Challenges: The Crucial Role of Opposition in Leadership Development
- #603: Peter’s Leadership Development: Five Steps from Fisherman to Shepherd
Join the Conversation
As always, we welcome questions and comments. Which aspect of work and shalom resonates the most with you? Why?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because of people like you who share it with friends. Would you please share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Skills | Leadership Development
