Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus lived 30 out of His 33 years before He went into vocational ministry? The Messiah spent the first part of His life as what the Bible calls a technoy, or a builder or maker. Though we’ve traditionally thought of His trade as that of a carpenter (and he probably did work with wood), the Lord may also have worked with stone and metal in the course of His day-to-day profession. Regardless of His specific job description, we know that Jesus obediently and patiently labored with His hands until the time God called Him to enter public ministry. While what He did may not have seemed significant to the world around Him, it was an important part of His training and equipping, and His Father was honored by it.

Martin Luther frequently talked about this, and he often asserted that God loves the work of people’s hands, not because we put little crosses on things to make them look Christian, but because He enjoys clean houses, excellent skills, and fine craftsmanship. This thought is significant because it clearly removes the distinction between vocational ministry and every other career. In other words, all work is ministry when it is done with the right heart and mindset!

Friend, every time you ply your trade — whether that means treating a patient, deploying a new system, building a home, selling a car, writing a book, singing a song, or cleaning a bathroom — it matters to God! He sees what you do and He blesses your labor when it is done with a heart that is turned towards Him. You see, your Savior is honored by your work and He loves it when you employ the skills He has given to you in service to His Kingdom. In Him, everything is spiritual and it’s all part of living the life of worship He designed you for. Doing everything as an act of service has the power to transform you and bless the world around you in His Name! Isn’t that fantastic news?