Vivian Pierce

Insights from Tim Keller's "Every Good Endeavor"

Shifting our Mindset on Work

Reflect: What is the primary goal of your work (financial gain, career advancement, recognition, serving others or something else)? Do you find your work meaningful and fulfilling?

Tim Keller writes, “All human work is not merely a job but a calling. Our work can be a calling only if it is reimagined as a mission of service to something beyond merely our own interests. Thinking of work mainly as a means of self-fulfillment and self-realization slowly crushes a person and undermines society itself.”

He further explains, “When we elevate the purpose of work from making a living to loving our neighbor, it releases us from the crushing burden of working primarily to prove ourselves. The purpose of work is to create a culture that honors God and enables people to thrive.” By viewing work as a service to others, we transcend our own needs for self-fulfillment and success. Keller notes, “Everyone wants to be successful rather than forgotten, and everyone wants to make a difference in life. But that is beyond the control of any of us.” He encourages us to see work as a contribution to the common good, not merely a step towards personal advancement.

The Importance of Work

“Work is one of the ways we make ourselves useful to others, rather than just living a life for ourselves. Work is one of the ways we discover who we are, because it is through work that we come to understand our distinct abilities and gifts”, Keller states. He goes on to affirms the inherent dignity of work, regardless of its status or pay: “We were built for work and the dignity it gives us as human beings. We have the freedom to seek work that suits our gifts and passions. People who are cut off from work discover how much they need it to thrive emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Without meaningful work, we sense significant inner loss and emptiness.” When we have a prolonged period of no work, we feel an emptiness, a hollow sense that life should be so much more. You are not alone, this was God’s design for work.

“God’s good plan always included human beings working and living in the constant cycle of work and rest,” Keller explains. Work hard, diligently, competently, with satisfaction and joy as you are working for the Lord. Then rest from your good work, as rest brings you time to meditate on your purpose and gives you a renewed energy to fight the good battles. When we work for God, we stop making success and accomplishments a priority and are not taken aback when setbacks occur.

Preventing Work from Becoming an Idol

Even when we find meaningful work, it’s crucial to guard against letting it consume us. Keller warns, “Work can convince you that you are working hard for your family and friends, while you are actually being seduced by ambition to neglect them.”

“Our pride and need for personal significance necessarily lead to competition, disunity, and strife. A life of self-glorification makes unity and love between people impossible,” he adds. C.S. Lewis concurs, “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.” Keller summarizes, “Idolatry has power over our actions because it has power over our hearts.”

When God enters the Picture

Work becomes meaningful and impactful the moment we surrender to God and work for building His kingdom. In order to understand the will of God we must first renounce ourselves and become servants. “Satisfaction in work in a fallen world is always a miraculous gift of God. There will be both toil and tranquility,” Keller states. He concludes, “Everything you have is a matter of grace, and you have the freedom to serve the world through your influence, just as you can through your competence.”

Reflection: How can I use my abilities and opportunities to best serve others?

Keller writes the “Definition of righteous people is they disadvantage themselves to advantage others, while the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves.” Consider your motivations: Are you driven by a desire to serve or to self-glorify?