---
title: In Working for Christ, There Are No Dead-End Jobs
description: People often think that with the right job, the right paycheck, life will be a breeze. The Christian, instead, will turn to Christ to find purpose at work.
image: https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2026%20Blog%20Images/InWorkingForChrist_BlogHeader_04.22.jpg
---

- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about) 
    - [About Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
    - [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
    - [What We Believe](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/what-we-believe/)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [About Alistair](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
    - [Our Team](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-team/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
    - [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/)
    - [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- [My Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/)
- [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/) ![Truth For Life ](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/logo-tag-k.svg)

- [Today](https://www.truthforlife.org/daily)
- Programs 
    - [Latest Program](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/latest-aired/)
    - [Archived Programs](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/archive/)
    - [Program Schedule](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/upcoming-broadcasts/)
    - [Subscribe and Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
    - [TFL Station Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
    - [Info for Broadcasters](https://www.truthforlife.org/radio-info/)
- Sermons 
    - [Latest Sermons](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/most-recent-sermons/)
    - Browse
    - [by Topic](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [by Series](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=series&per_page=25)
    - [by Scripture](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/scripture/)
    - [by Date](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=sermon)
    - [by Transcripts](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?format=transcript)
- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- More 
    - [For Pastors & Churches](https://info.truthforlife.org/churches?from=blog)
    - [Subscribe & Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
    - [Explore Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [Get the App](https://www.truthforlife.org/apps)
    - [Alistair Begg Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/alistair-begg/archive/)
    - [C.H. Spurgeon Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/archive/)
    - [Reading Plans](https://info.truthforlife.org/reading-plans)
    - [Online Bible (ESV)](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)
- [Donate](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- [Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Find a Station](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [Subscribe](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- ![Search](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-search.svg)
  
  Search

[![Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-library.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/) [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart) [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/) ![Show Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-menu.svg) ![Hide Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-close.svg)

#### Blog Latest Posts

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Daily Images (590)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/daily-images)
- [Weekly Wallpaper (404)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [Articles (399)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)
- [Monthly Resources (377)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [From the Archives (335)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/from-the-archives)
- [Ministry Updates (318)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Hymns and Worship (201)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg (152)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Begg's Blog (62)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Listener Stories (46)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)

### Archive

- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [August 2015 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [November 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2019 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [August 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [November 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [September 2021 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [November 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [August 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [June 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [July 2022 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [April 2015 (4)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)

see all

[Subscribe to Blog RSS Feed](http://feeds.feedburner.com/TruthForLifeBlog)

#### [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org) In Working for Christ, There Are No Dead-End Jobs

# In Working for Christ, There Are No Dead-End Jobs

Share

- [Twitter](http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?status=In%20Working%20for%20Christ,%20There%20Are%20No%20Dead-End%20Jobs+/in-working-for-christ-there-are-no-dead-end-jobs)
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=/in-working-for-christ-there-are-no-dead-end-jobs)
- [WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=In%20Working%20for%20Christ,%20There%20Are%20No%20Dead-End%20Jobs%20|%20/in-working-for-christ-there-are-no-dead-end-jobs)
- [Email](mailto:username@example.com?subject=In%20Working%20for%20Christ,%20There%20Are%20No%20Dead-End%20Jobs&body=/in-working-for-christ-there-are-no-dead-end-jobs)

 April 22, 2026

## ![In Working for Christ, There Are No Dead-End Jobs](https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2026%20Blog%20Images/InWorkingForChrist_BlogHeader_04.22.jpg?width=1200&height=676&name=InWorkingForChrist_BlogHeader_04.22.jpg)

In 1966, British rocker Ray Davies penned these lyrics to the Kinks’ song “Dead End Street”:

> What are we living for?  
> Two-roomed apartment on the second floor,  
> No money coming in;  
> The rent collector’s knocking, trying to get in.  
> We are strictly second-class,  
> And we don’t understand  
> Why we should be on Dead End Street.

Davies perhaps thought that if only England could fix poverty (certainly a worthy goal), then all in the country would go swimmingly. The problem is, for men and women of any and every nation, our true predicament—spiritual poverty—is classless. One can climb the ladder of economic success and still find oneself asking, “What am I living for?”

The apostle Paul had an answer to that question: “To me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). Life—the whole gamut, “facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Phil. 4:12)—may have true, eternal purpose and hope only through faith in Jesus, through whom and for whom all things exist ([Col. 1:16](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/col+1:16)). Even our best work—no matter how suited to us, no matter how remunerating—cannot give life the meaning that is found in knowing and loving the Lord Jesus Christ.

In parallel passages in both Colossians 3 and Ephesians 6, Paul encourages (of all people!) household slaves to turn to Christ for purpose in their daily work. Though the particulars he addresses are unique to the time and place in which he lived, the principles Paul lays down are relevant to every Christian who labors under someone’s authority, even today.

## How We Work

To those who labor under authority, Paul first writes, “Obey in everything those who are your earthly masters” (Col. 3:22), and again, “Obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling” (Eph. 6:5). Christians, simply put, are to be obedient workers, not rebellious—and we’re to be obedient not only in matters agreeable and pleasant but also in matters that are unpleasant and disagreeable.

Of course, there are times when the demands of employers run contrary to the demands of God—and in such cases, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Paul, however, is dealing here not with the exception but with the normal course of things.

Christian employees are to be obedient employees. They should, in fact, aspire to be the *best* employees: the kind who work hard not only when the boss is watching, not only to win his favor—“not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers” (Col. 3:22; cf. [Eph. 6:6](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Ephesians%206:6/))—but even when no one is watching and there is no possibility of promotion. They should seek neither to benefit the most while doing the least nor to slip out unnoticed at the end of the workday. Rather, they are to keep aware that the Lord sees and values their labor, even if their bosses and coworkers don’t.

The Christian worker, in other words, is not to be like the man in the old joke who had been on the jobsite for a couple weeks when he went to the foreman. “I’ve got no shovel,” he complained. The foreman said, “Well, who cares? You’re getting paid, aren’t you?” The first man said, “Yeah, I’m getting paid, but all these other guys over here have something to lean on, and I don’t!”

###### Christian employees are to be obedient employees. They should, in fact, aspire to be the *best* employees.

To be an obedient Christian is to refuse that kind of ethic. Whether the task is menial or grand, the Christian worker is to be wholehearted, letting his or her light shine in a world of people who are simply trying to run down the clock. And we don’t live this way because our bosses deserve it, necessarily—though God may bless us with honorable supervisors if He sees fit. Even then, though, we recognize that ultimately, we serve the Lord Christ. And that revolutionizes what we do on the jobsite.

## Who Do We Work For?

Christian workers are therefore to have a different motivation from the people around about them. Whether they are sweeping factory floors, running washing machines, preparing sermons, flying planes, taking temperatures, or whatever else, they’re to keep in mind what Paul said: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23–24).

Whenever you find Christians who don’t give their best to their work, you have found Christians who have forgotten the one for whom they’re truly working. But when someone’s heart is stirred with the privilege of working for Christ, it fills even the most mundane tasks with purpose.

The story’s told of a little boy many years ago watching the King of England’s procession toward Buckingham Palace. He was so eager to see the King’s carriage that he fell over a man, who shouted, “What are you doing, you nuisance!” But the little boy said, “Did you see the golden lamps on the carriage? I polished those lamps!” He expressed the joy of playing a small part in the King’s grand business.

###### Whenever you find Christians who don’t give their best to their work, you have found Christians who have forgotten who they’re working for.

Think, then, what Paul’s words must have meant to a household slave who got kicked around, who received food and board and nothing else to speak of, who had no hope of advancement. To such a man Paul essentially says, “When you lie down tonight, remember that you have served the Lord and that you will have a reward from Him that no one on earth can give you.” Christians today may feel they have little to gain from doing their jobs well. But when they see the Lord Jesus on the last day, they will understand the significance of a job well done.

## The Employer’s Own Master

Of course, it’s not just workers whom the Gospel changes. Christian employers, supervisors, and the like should also demonstrate the fruit of their faith in how they deal with their workers, understanding that they are together accountable to the same Lord: “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Col. 4:1).

Again, we’ll be helped by thinking of what this meant in Paul’s day. The sad truth was that there were very few limitations on how masters could abuse their slaves. They could chain them, sell them, beat them, get rid of them—do virtually whatever they liked to them. Paul’s instructions, then, are striking in their contrast: “You’re a *Christian* master. That means you’re to provide your slaves with what is right and fair.” Why? “Because you know that you also have a Master in heaven, and you will one day have to answer to Him for how you have treated men and women made in His image.”

The Christian employer today is fenced in by societal norms and labor codes that demand a certain treatment of employees. Even so, they ought not to limit themselves to merely fulfilling the law. Paul, after all, elsewhere instructs the believers in Rome to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10). Those who follow Christ should recognize that even if they hold a position of authority, they remain servants of a generous heavenly Lord, and they represent His interests in how they treat their employees and so will answer to Him.

## The Horizontal and the Vertical

Paul’s primary concern in his instruction is not first of all man’s relationship with his fellows but man’s relationship with God. He tackles the issues first on the vertical plane, understanding that that is the key to the horizontal plane.

That’s why no political or economic system in the world will ever fully cut it when it comes to the workplace. Some may make a better approach than others, but ultimately, unless employees and employers together fear God, any system will eventually face breakdowns due to selfishness. It is (as Ray Davies perhaps would agree) a dead-end street. But when Christ comes to rule and reign in a heart of an individual, that individual becomes a new boss, a new employee, invested with a new purpose and a new hope.

In whatever sphere we find ourselves laboring—at home, in a cubicle, in a trade, or in a high-rise corner office—God is intently interested in how and for whom we endeavor to work. In the days ahead, whether they be full of tasks that energize and enliven us or duties that tax and test us, may we endeavor always to look first and foremost to Christ as the Master whose “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21, 23; cf. [Luke 19:17](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke%2019:17/)) ought to be the prize we seek above all else.

---

*This article was adapted from the sermons* [*“The Christian at Work”*](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/christian-at-work-the/) *and* [*“Wholehearted Obedience”*](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/wholehearted-obedience/) *by Alistair Begg.*

[![A Study in Colossians Volume 4](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/331596/c7a14fda-13bb-487d-b6e3-f331aa748b0f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/331596/c7a14fda-13bb-487d-b6e3-f331aa748b0f)

 

---

Topics: [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

##### **Copyright © 2026 , Truth For Life**. All rights reserved.

 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

### Get Weekly Updates

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Ministry Updates](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Monthly Resources](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [Weekly Wallpaper](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [From the Archives](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-sermons)
- [Hymns and Worship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Listener Stories](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)
- [Begg's Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

### Archive

- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [August 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (4)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)

see all

### Marks of an Effective Church

[The Apostles' Teaching](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-effective-church-apostles-teaching) [Fellowship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-an-effective-church-fellowship) [Devotion to the Sacraments](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-the-sacraments) [Prayer](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-prayer) [Mutual Care](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-mutual-care) [A Worshiping Community](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-worshiping-community) [Continuous Evangelism](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-continuous-evangelism)

### The Fruit of the Spirit

[The Root of Our Holiness: Introducing the Fruit of the Spirit](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-root-of-our-holiness-introducing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit) [Love](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love-part-2-of-9) [Joy in a Broken World](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy-in-a-broken-world) [Peace in a World of Conflict](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace-in-a-world-of-conflict) [Perfect Patience for the Least Deserving](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-perfect-patience-for-the-least-deserving) [Eternal Goodness and Everyday Kindness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-eternal-goodness-and-everyday-kindness) [God’s Faithfulness and Ours](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gods-faithfulness-and-ours) [Gentleness Isn’t a Weakness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness-isnt-a-weakness) [Self-Control](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control)

[Back to top](https://blog.truthforlife.org/in-working-for-christ-there-are-no-dead-end-jobs#top)

- [Home](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

##### Connect with us

PO Box 398000   
Cleveland , OH 44139

By Phone (888) 588-7884

- [Contact Us Form](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/support-form/)
- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/station-finder/)

##### Welcome

- [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Alistair Begg](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
- [The Gospel](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)

##### Our Resources

- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- [Sermon Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/)
- [Series Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/)
- [Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
- [Devotionals](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/)
- [Add Devotional to Your Website](https://www.truthforlife.org/syndicate/request/)
- [Bible](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
- [Connect with TFL](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
- [Books by Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/books-by-alistair-begg)

##### Donate

- [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
- [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner)

##### Insights Delivered to Your Inbox

Truth For Life is the teaching ministry of Alistair Begg and is committed to teaching the Bible with clarity and relevance so that unbelievers will be converted, believers will be established, and local churches will be strengthened.

- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-twitter.svg)](http://www.twitter.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/truthforlife1/)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/alistair_begg_truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-tiktok.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-rss.svg)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/subscribe/#mobile)

 Truth For Life is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

 © 1994 - 2026 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved. [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/) | [Site Map](https://www.truthforlife.org/sitemap/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "TFL",
    "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/author/tfl"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-04-22T05:00:01.011Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-04-22T05:00:01.000Z",
  "headline" : "In Working for Christ, There Are No Dead-End Jobs",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2026%20Blog%20Images/InWorkingForChrist_BlogHeader_04.22.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/in-working-for-christ-there-are-no-dead-end-jobs",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/file-2577538209-jpg/truthforlife-201502/logo_wt2x.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Truth For Life"
  }
}
```