25 Ways to Imitate God in Work
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
(Ephesians 5:1, ESV)
One of the most overlooked ways to glorify God is through imitation. And yet, as image-bearers of God, we have countless opportunities to imitate our Heavenly Father — but especially through our work.
Imitation is a particularly powerful opportunity for our work. Too many Christians think their work doesn't matter to God — he's only concerned about "spiritual" stuff. We insist, however, that all of life (including work) is all for Jesus.
Whether you're a lawyer, mother, teacher, truck driver, caretaker, or salesperson, you have many opportunities to glorify God by imitating him in your work.
25 ways to Imitate God in our work:
1. ADVISING: Sharing wisdom for real-life situations
2. CARE: Providing tangible love, especially to those in pain
3. COMMUNICATING: Exchanging information, emotion, wisdom, and care
4. CREATIVITY: Generating new ideas, products, services, or approaches
5. FAITHFULNESS: Demonstrating loyalty and dependability over time
6. GENEROSITY: Giving of resources or time to bless others
7. INITIATING: Causing action to begin
8. INTELLIGENCE: Using knowledge and skill in smart ways
9. INTERDEPENDENCE: Relying on others
10. JUSTICE: Pursuing what is righteous and good
11. LONG-TERM THINKING: Planning for long-term rather than short-term gain
12. MAINTAINING: To enable something to successfully continue
13. ORDER: Organizing resources in a way that is beautiful and/or makes sense
14. PROBLEM-SOLVING: Identifying effective ways to overcome obstacles
15. PRODUCTIVITY: Leveraging energy and resources to get more done
16. PROTECTION: Keeping people or resources safe from harm, especially when vulnerable
17. RESTORING: Helping people or things regain their purpose and/or design
18. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Forging connections between people
19. RESOURCING: Providing the necessary tools to accomplish important things
20. RESPONSIBILITY: Demonstrating sovereignty over some area of life
21. SERVING: Doing what others need or appreciate, even if they don't show their appreciation
22. SKILL: Applying talent and wisdom with excellence
23. STEWARDSHIP: Managing resources responsibly
24. TEACHING: Passing on important information or lessons
25. TRUTHFULNESS: Dealing honestly, even at cost to yourself
