In June, the U.S. added 147,000 jobs—exceeding expectations—with the largest gains in government and healthcare. Unemployment dipped to 4.1%, signaling a steady economic recovery.
On paper, this sounds like good news, and it is. For many seeking employment or job security, it offers some relief. But for followers of Jesus, strong employment numbers raise a deeper question:
Are we merely meant to climb the ladder—or is there more to how we work, why we work, and what we’re working toward?
How Should Christians View Work?
In a culture that defines identity by productivity and worth by wealth, we need to return to the biblical foundation for work.
Work Is a Gift—Not a God
From the beginning, work was part of God’s design. God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). Labor was to be purposeful and fulfilling, never as a punishment.
But after the fall, work became toilsome (Genesis 3:17 19), and over time, culture distorted its meaning. What God gave as a gift has too often become a god—an idol people serve in the pursuit of status, identity, and applause.
Few illustrate this more poignantly than Lee Atwater (1951–1991), a brilliant political strategist and former chair of the Republican National Committee. Famous for his cutthroat, win-at-all-costs tactics in the 1980s, Atwater climbed the ladder of power and prestige—but at great personal cost.
After being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at just 39, he experienced a deep reckoning. In his final year, he publicly apologized to those he had harmed, including political rivals he once ruthlessly attacked.
In one of his final interviews, he confessed,
“My illness helped me to see that what was missing in society is what was missing in me: a little heart, a lot of brotherhood. The 1980s were about acquiring—acquiring wealth, power, prestige. I know. I acquired more than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty.”
As death drew near, Atwater began seeking spiritual truth, expressing interest in the teachings of Jesus and reaching out to reconcile with those he had wronged. His story is a sobering reminder: you can “gain the whole world yet forfeit your soul” (Mark 8:36).
The World Says Climb Higher. Jesus Says Walk Faithfully.
The world teaches us to chase visibility, title, and control. But Jesus modeled something radically different:
“The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:1).
Jesus didn’t climb the ladder—He stooped low to wash feet. He redefined greatness, not as being above others, but as being a servant.
The great evangelist of the 18th century, John Wesley, fought against selfish gain following his life’s motto, “earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” At death, he had a well-worn gown and a few coins in his pocket, revealing his generous legacy of giving money away quickly, “lest it found a way into my heart.”
Eric Liddell, Olympic gold medalist, gave up athletic fame to serve as a missionary in China: “God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” He knew his calling wasn’t the race for medals, it was the race of faith.
Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, built a national business known not only for quality but for honoring God, closing on Sundays, prioritizing people over profits, and using his platform to give back generously. For Cathy, success was stewardship, not self-exaltation.
Defining a person’s value is rooted not in our job description but in our position. A Christ-centered identity turns work from striving to serving, and anxious performance to joyful worship,
Your Job Is Not Your Identity
Identity and job titles should never be confused with our true value.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters... It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
It’s easy to feel that our work defines us. After all, what we do often shapes how others see us and how we see ourselves. Job titles, roles, and responsibilities become daily affirmations of our importance and significance. For many pastors, leaders, and professionals, the title isn’t just a label. Rather, a source of identity, a measure of worth.
But this is where so many stumble. When retirement, career changes, or unexpected life transitions come, those titles disappear or shift. Suddenly, affirmations dry up. The applause quiets. And if we tie our identity too tightly to that role, we lose our sense of self and worth.
I can speak from personal experience. For years, I had the joy and weight of leading a church—preaching, teaching, praying with people, walking with them through their darkest valleys and their most joyful milestones. I stood beside grieving families at funerals and celebrated with couples at weddings. It was deeply meaningful work. But when retirement comes, and your weekly rhythms vanish, so do the affirmations and familiar roles. Suddenly, you’re sitting in a new church where no one knows your story, your years of service, or the burdens you’ve carried. It’s disorienting.
And yet, God doesn’t retire His call—He redirects it. While I miss standing in the pulpit and shepherding a congregation, this new season has opened unexpected doors: a YouTube worship channel sharing my arrangements of piano and instrumental music, writing articles for Christianity.com, leading a Christian writer’s group, and working on a future book to encourage others discerning a pastoral call.
Recently, a close friend in missions shared a moment that reminded me of God’s reach. While visiting a church in Peru, South America, he heard my music playing and said, “That’s the music of Judy McEachran, our friend.” It was a simple but powerful affirmation—evidence that our obedience, even in new forms, still bears fruit beyond what we can see.
For some, confusion happens when we mistake function for identity. Our job or title is what we do; identity is who we are. As Christians, our identity isn’t rooted in our accomplishments but in whose we are: beloved children of God, called and redeemed by Christ. Our value doesn’t come from a role or position; it comes from being His.
What Does This Mean Practically?
When our identity rests in Christ, our value is unchanging and secure, even when our job changes or ends. Our worth doesn’t depend on applause from people, a thriving church, or a corner office; it flows from being deeply loved and accepted by God. This foundation frees us to work well, not to prove ourselves, but to serve faithfully. It also means seasons of “not working” or “working behind the scenes” have just as much value in God’s eyes as seasons of leadership or public success.
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, so dishonor the name of my God.”
In other words, a Christ-centered identity transforms work from a burden of proving who you are into a joyful expression of who you already are—deeply loved by God and entrusted with gifts and talents to serve, create, and provide.
Kingdom Calling Versus Worldly Success
On the surface, worldly success and the calling of the Kingdom may look similar. Both involve effort, commitment, and seasons of recognition. But underneath, motivations and outcomes are vastly different.
Worldly success promises visibility, achievement, and control. It deceives us into thinking our value increases with our title, and we’re only as secure as our next promotion. It’s a race built on comparison and self-promotion, rarely leading to rest.
Kingdom calling, on the other hand, invites us to something deeper. It’s not about climbing–it’s about following. Following the One who already knows our worth, who calls us not to compete but to serve, and reminds us that greatness is found in faithfulness, not fame.
Paul’s words to the Thessalonians ground this beautifully:
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…work with your hands…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders” (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12).
Paul’s words reframe ambition, not as a pursuit of attention, but as a pursuit of integrity. This kind of ambition isn’t flashy. It’s faithful. Kingdom calling offers something the world can’t match: peace, purpose, and eternal fruit that outlasts every resume line.
Consider a few well-known individuals who modeled this countercultural approach to success:
James Cash Penney, founder of the J. C. Penney department stores, built a business on the Golden Rule that reflected the heart of Christianity. After a financial collapse during the Great Depression, he surrendered to Christ while recovering in a sanitarium, hearing the hymn “God Will Take Care of You” in the chapel. Deeply changed, he gave away 90% of his personal wealth. Realizing true success wasn’t found in building a financial empire, but in using it to serve others and glorify God.
R.G. LeTourneau, a pioneering industrialist and inventor of earthmoving equipment, called himself “God’s businessman.” He lived on 10% of his income and gave the remaining 90% to fund ministries and Christian education, including the founding of LeTourneau University. His entrepreneurial success was never his end goal—it was the means of kingdom impact.
David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, built a billion-dollar company guided by a biblical worldview, closing his stores on Sundays and generously supporting missions, Bible translations, and Christian causes. Green often said, “God gives us the ability to earn money, and He expects us to be good stewards of it.” He also helped establish the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
Even John D. Rockefeller, once the richest man in history, realized later in life that the greatest joy was not in gaining, but in giving. He once said, “God gave me my money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God to be developed and used… for the good of mankind.”
When our calling is rooted in God’s purpose, we no longer chase status or strive for promotion or affirmation. As Psalm 75:6–7 declares, “Promotion does not come from the east or west…but God is the judge: He puts down one and exalts another.”
Instead of asking, “What’s my next promotion?” ask, “How can I reflect Christ in the work I have?”
Whether employed, retired, caregiving, or transitioning, your season still carries Kingdom purpose. Having a strong work ethic reflects Biblical values of integrity, discipline, and excellence, doing all things as “unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24).
Take a few minutes today to invite God into your work. Ask Him to show you:
-Where you may be chasing worldly success. -How He’s using your current season to grow Christlike character. -What it looks like for your daily work to become an act of worship
A Prayer to Protect Our Identity in Christ
Father, Thank You for the gift of work and the dignity You’ve built into it. Free me from striving for identity through performance. Teach me to walk in Your calling with peace, purpose, and joy. May my labor reflect Your character and love, whether seen or unseen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: Unsplash Saulo Mohana
Judy McEachran is a passionate worshiper and seasoned pastor who brings together her love for music and ministry to inspire and uplift others. An ordained pastor and accomplished musician, she has spent years encouraging believers through her heartfelt sermons and soul-stirring music. After serving congregations in the Midwest, she and her husband, who was also a pastor, relocated to Arizona upon retirement. Deeply moved by God's unwavering love and His faithfulness through the years, Judy writes from a pastor's heart to encourage and strengthen faith in a believer's walk with Jesus. With the support of her husband, sons, and their families, Judy continues to use her gifts to glorify God. Her YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@JudyMcEachran, features music that invites listeners to experience the Lord’s presence in a profound and personal way.
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