Text: John 13:31-35; Psalm 148
Theme: “The science of happiness meets the Omniscience of God”
3: Meaningful work
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Intro – Work is a big part of life. But let’s be honest, it is also a big source of stress, confusion, and sarcasm, especially these days. A few thoughts on that:
- Engagement at work is not the same across the Board. Recent research shows that 70% of Canadians feel good or are satisfied with their work. Still a pretty good number, but it means 3 in 10 people are not. The daily grind can be cruel, especially if you’re not where you would like to be.
- Purpose unclear. Why am I doing this? It seems that is only a matter of “different days, same task”, And if we don’t have time time in the evening to unwind from the day, sometimes the days seem to start blending into each other in a string of months and years.
- Then there is the whole AI thing. Some say it threatens to change or eliminate jobs. 80% of the jobs ten years from now don’t even exist yet. Is that a threat only or there’s possibility there too? Living with that that tension can be exhausting.
- Another aspect of life at work is the whole motivational niche, that over time brought with is some cynicism and sarcasm about who you are working for and loyalty to work place. For example, have a look at these cheesy motivational posters (3 or 4 examples from www.despair.com) Still one more: “Hard work never killed anyone. But why take the chance?”
However, work is a part of our life and we know we need it. In one way or the other. Most burdens are eased by rest—but there’s one that’s lightened by work: laziness.
In our series this month we have seen that even Harvard tells us that work is one of the four pillars of happiness (along with faith, family, and friends). Now, even if the science of happiness agrees that we need meaningful work, we Christians see it from a different angle. We’re not just looking for meaning in what we do — we live, move, exist and thrive in the One who gives meaning.
- Meaningful Work
The science of happiness tells us: Work is not just about earning money. True happiness from work comes from earning success (creating value) and serving others. This means that dignity comes not from what you achieve alone, but from how you help others through your work. Serving others is a key to finding joy in your professional life.
This is good, as as Christians we would agree with this professor. What we do is not just for our own benefit, but for serving others.
But there’s more. When the science of happiness meets the Omniscience of God, this is where meaningful work is grounded:
- Jesus’ work on the Cross and resurrection;
- The Work of the Holy Spirit – shaping our lifes in a christlike manner;
- We are not the source of meaning. God is.
- Our work isn’t just a way to achieve — it’s a way to respond to what Christ has done.
- The Daily Grind Meets the Work of God
You might consider, “Pastor, what does Jesus’ death on the cross or the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin have to do with my job at the office, in the classroom, or behind a cash register?”
Everything. Because your work — whether paid, unpaid, volunteer, or even the job you wish you had — is connected to Christ’s work for you, and the Spirit’s work in you.
- God gave work as a gift (Genesis 2). Adam had a job before sin. He and his wife had literally the only perfect job that ever was.
- Sin brought toil into work (Genesis 3). No job is perfect — even the people at Disneyland probably grumble. There’s always the day, the week or the month when things go south and you consider changing things around.
- Christ gives meaning again, for example, by saying through Paul: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
Whether you’re flipping burgers, managing teams, or raising kids, you are ultimately serving Christ. That’s where dignity comes from.
And that’s what makes Christian vocation different: It’s not just about how your work helps others. It’s about how Christ’s love helps you serve — even when it’s hard, unappreciated, or unseen.
Meaningful work in the Christian life is:
-done in faith
-guided by God’s Word
-sustained by God’s Grace
- Love and Praise
John 13, “A new commandment I give to you: love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you are to love one another.” This isn’t abstract. This is practical. This is for within the Church. It’s intra-vocational—a pattern for how we serve, teach, care, and support one another in daily life. That diaper changed. That late-night email. That visit to a shut-in. That potluck dish. It’s not just busy work. It’s love in action. By this love people will know God’s glory, just as did pointed to the Glory of the Father
That’s the kind of work that Psalm 148 calls “praise.” The Psalm calls all the world to praise the Lord. We praise him in our vocation. In our life. In our church life. Teaching math? Praise. Changing hospital sheets? Praise. Coding software? Praise. Serving the Lord with the family of faith? Praise. Prayer? One of the best works of praise we can do.
This is not motivational speech. This is real faith life stuff. You praise God serving others and you praise God fulfilling your vocation.
- When Work Breaks Down
When we talk about work, meaningful work, there are a few things that come with it. Here are a few of them:
- When work feels pointless. That time can come for all of us, when we feel either “chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes) or the impostor Syndrome.[1]
Illustration: If you have kids or grandkids, you’ve probably had those “what’s the point?” moments. They don’t see the big picture, but you do. So you keep them going because you know where they’re headed.
How much more does your Father know? When work feels pointless, turn your thoughts to His love. I’m not talking about staying in a toxic job—that might need to change. I’m talking about the big picture – seeing that meaningful work is part of your Christian identity. When working feels pointless, have your heart and faith pointed to the giver of work – Jesus.
- You’re unemployed. That is not the end of your purpose. It’s a moment of waiting, praying, trying, trusting. Even in joblessness, God works — in you and through you — in small acts of service and in big confidence on faith that he will provide.
- You’re exhausted. Exhaustion is real. And rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of God’s design. Jesus rested. Even music needs pause to be whole. You do too. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28. This isn’t just a vacation. It’s relief from the weight of the Law — even the Law that says, “Be the perfect Christian worker.” You can’t be. Jesus was. In Him you’re free to work in joy and rest in grace. Have you ever thought of coming to Church, of coming to Altar as a time for rest? You don’t need to work – you just extend your hands a receive, and rest in His power to forgive and renew your heart
Conclusion: Here’s a motivational poster you can trust: (“Meaningful work: Work in faith, rest in Grace. Serve your neighbour, glorify God”)
One day, you will have the perfect job. That will be in the presence of God. He will create New Earth and New Heavens, so it is fair to assume he will create new work. Perfectly meaningful work. That is when the science of happiness, or any other formula to chase it, will be left behind, because we will be in the Presence of the Omniscience of God for eternity.
No burnout. No boredom. No bad bosses. Only joy. Only purpose. Only perfectly meaningful work.
Until then, we work — and we rest — in Christ, grounded in His Love.
Song: GROUNDED IN YOUR LOVE
Direct my eyes to you, o Lord
that they may always see Your light.
Protect me from doubt and fear;
things that cloud my sight.
For I know of the stones ahead;
I long to stand, and not to fall.
I pray that you will guide my steps,
in Your strength, I’ll face it all.
From your hand, o Lord
comes my hope and peace,
for Your Grace alone
brings my soul release.
Father, in Your Word
I find all my strength
– as my heart remains
grounded in Your Love.
O keep us in The Way, o Lord
that leads to our eternal Home.
In Jesus, Life begins by faith
and lasts forevermore.
Your House is free of pain and tears;
a place where joy will know no end.
So today I ask again, o Lord:
hold me fast within your Hand!
Lucas Andre Albrecht, 2008
English Version: 2025
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[1] Imposter syndrome (IS) is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/
