Love this book so much! Grateful for the reminders and the truth in this book!! Looking forward to new releases from this author!

One of the most popular resources for Christians is to find meaning in everyday work. The interest revolves around questions about practicing one's faith in the world. What does faith in the marketplace mean? How do we live the spiritual life in an increasingly secular world? What does it mean to be a Christian in the workplace? What should we do if our workplaces forbid us from practicing our faith? Does our work matter? What does gospel living look like? In this book, author Jordan Raynor asserts that our work not only has "instrumental value" on earth, it also has "eternal intrinsic value" to God. "By "instrumental value," it means our work matters because it can be an opportunity to explicitly share the gospel with people we work with. "Intrinsic value" refers to how our work matters even when we are not explicitly sharing the gospel. The Great Commission should not be the "only" commission in life as it might give us a flawed sense of living as a Christian in an unChristian world. The primary reason is that though He lived with the gospel in mind, Jesus never turned everything into a "Great Commission" act. Many of his simple acts are that of care, compassion, care, and common living. One observation that the author makes is how the focus on the "Great Commission Only" is only a recent phenomenon. The Early Church did not have that distinction between sacred and secular lives. The words "Great Commission" did not even show up until the 1800s. In other words, the reason why so many today are asking how our work matters to God, is due to the mental separation of sacred and secular worlds. After listing the five ways we have misapplied the Great Commission, Raynor also enlarges the understanding of work beyond mere paid careers. This forms the major part of the book that looks at how we can live out the gospel in 99% of the time when we are not explicitly "sharing the gospel."

Part One shows us how to do that. Raynor distinguishes the abridged gospel from the unabridged one by showing us that the gospel is more than salvation from sins. The full gospel begins with creation, affected by sin, continued with redemption-renewal, and culminating in the consummation. The Great Commission needs to be seen together with the First Commission given back in Genesis. He then expands our understanding of heaven by distinguishing between "Half Truth" and "Whole Truth" about heaven. He gives us five ways to do that. For instance, one half-truth is to see heaven merely as a future place we will go instead of the whole-truth that heaven can be anticipated tomorrow and also enjoyed today.

Part Two describes how we can apply this expanded paradigm of the Whole Commission and the Whole Truth. This is expressed via four ways to live eternity today.

1) Ordinary ways apart from changing-the-world projects
2) Meaningful work that lasts
3) Living heaven on earth
4) Making disciples without Christian-labelled deeds

The first way takes the pressure off from the desire for significance. Sometimes, the tendency to rely on big-changing projects before starting can discourage people from doing anything in the first place. We can please God through simple practices such as sharing God's hope and love with people via good deeds. It can also instill wonder in God's creation. Building upon this is the second way of maximizing our work for eternal rewards. What are the things we can do to gain God's pleasure? Raynor gives examples such as hard work, quality builds, enduring insults, charity, prayer, doing good even to our enemies, and hospitality. The third way focuses on bringing heaven down to earth just like how we pray in the Lord's Prayer for God's will to be done in heaven as it is on earth. This means learning to shake off things that do not belong to the Kingdom; plant the things that do; and be representatives for God wherever we go. The fourth way shows us the more explicit things we could do in sharing the gospel. This includes acts of prayer, good deeds, friendship evangelism, spiritual conversations, and a readiness to explain why we believe in Jesus. The author also includes other online resources for pastors and laypersons on his website.

My Thoughts
==============
There are already many resources available about practicing faith in the marketplace. So what makes this book any different? I want to answer it at two levels. The first level is the similarity level. It is similar to many other books in wanting to expand Christian living beyond Sundays. It affirms the need to erase any divide between the sacred and the secular. It differs by encouraging us to witness without the burdens of Christian "labeling" or conforming to modern perceptions of Christian witness. Raynor does it by reminding us that gospel witness is more than sharing John 3:16, distributing tracts, or organizing evangelistic events. This is important because such tactics squeeze gospel sharing into a small box. By tearing down the half-truths and limited versions of the Great Commission, believers can be freed to witness at any opportunity given to them. There is no need to wait until there is a Sunday service on evangelism before inviting friends. There is no need to wait until people are ready to hear a gospel presentation. We do not need to limit any gospel presentation to only the New Testament!

The difference level is how the book frees us to live integrated lives at all times. We do not have to feel guilty when we are not sharing the bridge to Jesus or the Four Spiritual Laws. Our witness is not about sharing the gospel openly but living well consistently. The four ways that Raynor has advocated can point us forward on how to witness freely and guilt-free. We do not have to depend on any world-changing events. Neither do we need to restrain ourselves from passionately chasing after eternal rewards. Our ordinary work and play matter to God. Even when people insult us, we can learn to endure for the sake of Christ. Thankfully, Raynor did not ditch those who yearned for that familiar gospel-sharing method. His fourth way helps us to identify ourselves as Christians unabashedly and to maximize opportunities to share spiritual truths with anyone who asks us for the reasons for our faith.

This is an encouraging book about guilt-free Christian living that is orientated toward whole witness and wholesome living.
Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement and bestselling author of Redeeming Your Time. Through his books, podcasts, and weekly devotionals, he helps millions of Christians in every country connect the gospel to their work. Raynor also serves as the executive chairman of Threshold 360. He has been selected as a Google Fellow twice and served in the White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Raynor lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters.

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Waterbrook & Multnomah via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

I've enjoyed many of Jordan's earlier books about God being the first entrepreneur and Creator, so I thought I was sure to love his new book, but I was left wanting more. More than 50% is a well-written argument for why secular work is just as important to God as traditionally full-time missional work, but I went into it already knowing that. I was never able to fully get into the last parts of the book because of it. It could be a good fit for those who want are struggling to see what's purposeful about their secular work, but it wasn't for me.

I happened upon this book through Net Galley. I hadn’t heard of the author before, not to mention that Christian nonfiction is far from a favorite, still the title and subtitle absolutely arrested me. This topic and the way the broader church views it has bothered me for a long time.

As someone who knows the danger of a tiny departure from good theology, I carefully and critically read this book looking for dissonance. Yet all I found was truth resonating deeply in my soul.

I was once a teacher who felt deeply the words uttered by Eric Liddell of Chariots of Fire fame, “God made me fast. When I run I feel His pleasure.” When I stood before my class of second graders and led them to understand new things, I felt the pleasure of God. Truly! Now? I just write. This book was such an encouragement. The stories He’s given me to tell are how He’s designed me. As I put fingers to this laptop and type, I know God is smiling with pleasure. He’s the ultimate storyteller! So I press on, in the good days and the not so much. All of it matters to Him.

If you resonate with any of this, I urge you. Pick up this book. Be encouraged! Your work matters - whatever it is. The talents and skills He gave you matter!

What I Thought of the Book:
LOVED it! This book educated me more on the theology of work. I left this book feeling energized, encouraged, and uplifted to work with excellence. It was an engaging read.
So many Christians believe their work does not matter because they are not in direct ministry, church leaders, etc. Jordan dismantles that lie and shares 12 propositions for why our work has eternal value.
The author gives readers practical tools to do their work with eternity in mind.
Also, the author does highlight the importance of sharing the Gospel with those we work with. And he gives readers more practical skills to help them share the Gospel with co-workers.

LASTLY, the author created a workbook for readers. It is free to download. This workbook helps readers to do the work of ensuring their labor is not in vain. The workbook gives exercises to help readers practice the skills discussed in the book.

What Stood Out:
So much, and I wish I could share it all.

The author pointed out that if our motivation to work is for fame, power, and on our terms, it will perish. However, when we work for God's glory, it will last forever.

I love that the author distinguished that Jesus's definition of excellence is different from the world's. He defined excellence as doing our best in accordance with the Lord's commands.

Jordan highlighted the importance of creating friendships with co-workers. Relationship with others makes sharing the Gospel more effective.

I recommend this book to ALL Christians, especially those who believe the lie that their work does not matter.

I began reading Jordan Raynor’s latest book The Sacredness of Secular Work with great anticipation, having devoured 3 of his earlier works. I wasn’t disappointed. The book is an important read for believers who may question the value that their secular careers have for the kingdom of God. As I’ll discuss below, I think it’s an important read as well for those working in the pastorate or the mission field.

The phrase that came to mind after I finished reading this book was “pragmatic theology.” Instead of trying to “squeeze” my spiritual thinking into my everyday work, but never completely reconciling the two, Jordan makes it easy to connect the dots. He does this by not only focusing on the message of the Christian gospel, but by painting a bigger picture of our work here on earth and how it fits in God’s beautiful creation story. (By the way, this makes the book not only a good read for the Christian reader but for the Jewish reader as well.) The “instrumental value” of our work (leveraging our work to share the gospel with others) is contrasted with the “intrinsic value” of our work (loving our neighbor and thereby living out the gospel message). Because we have been saved not only BY our good works, but FOR good works, our work is intrinsically valuable in the redemption story of God’s creation. The accompanying downloadable workbook helps you to paint your picture, by serving as a catalyst to have you pause and consider your own “why” behind your everyday work in the greater picture of creation. (And Jordan, the grand master of the “commitment tracking system” so wonderfully explained in Redeeming Your Time, again shows off his list-making prowess in The Sacredness of Secular Work!)

As someone who is also suffering from burnout in my own profession, this book was the refreshing drink I desperately needed. My work as a surgeon was becoming unfulfilling, and part of me began to doubt that my work would have any value in the Eternal Heaven, where there would be no pain or suffering and therefore no need for a doctor! What would I be doing in the Eternal Heaven if our resurrected bodies will never need healing? But that’s not the point… I’ve come to realize that what is important is that the work I do now in the “thin places” between heaven and earth matters to God because through it I “can scratch off the veil between heaven and earth, revealing glimpses of the kingdom of God in the present.” Jordan helps us to see how we can do that in our own lives by, among other things he details in the book, “weeding out what doesn’t belong in the kingdom, and planting what does belong there.” For me personally, this may include confronting and weeding out the economic abuses in the healthcare world to give others a glimpse of God’s Kingdom.

I also think that pastors and others working in full-time ministry could greatly benefit from reading this book. Although many of the ideas might not apply to full-time ministry per se, I do believe that it could be a valuable resource in helping pastors counsel others who are questioning their secular work or suffering from burnout as I was.

I found so many good nuggets in this book, and I’ll end this review with 2 of the many: “…any work you do for your fame, for your fortune, and according to your rules will perish. But any work you do for God’s glory, powered by God’s Spirit, and according to God’s rules will last forever.” And my favorite, “articulate where you see yourself professionally in five million years.”

Thank you NetGalley and WaterBrook publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Having been a fan of Jordan Raynor since reading “Called to Create” four years ago, my anticipation for his latest book, “The Sacredness of Secular Work,” was high. As I opened my Kindle to read, I expected to discover more nuggets of wisdom and applicable practices to enhance my work life. Instead, I found a theological discussion that left me wanting more. While Jordan’s usual emphasis on the importance of our work and glorifying God remained evident, this book didn’t resonate with me as his previous works have.

After dedicating my life to the Lord on my twentieth birthday, I view my work as God’s. My identity rests in Him, and I aim to do everything for His honor and praise. While the Bible mentions the faithful receiving great rewards, I struggled with Jordan’s focus on eternal rewards being a primary drive to excel in our work and share Yeshua with others, particularly in chapter four, where Jordan discusses why we should “Unashamedly Chase After Eternal Rewards” and “How to Maximize Your Eternal Rewards.”

Nevertheless, I appreciated Jordan’s unique perspective on understanding the Gospel through the entire Bible, even though there were moments of theological disagreement. His insightful remarks about Yeshua as the first gardener and last Adam also stood out. However, the assertion that secular work is equivalent to ministering the Gospel raised my concerns. Despite valuing secular jobs and recognizing their essential role, I disagree that effectiveness in the Kingdom can be achieved without actively ministering the Gospel since our Great Commission is to make disciples and share the Word wherever we go. Now, that will look different for everyone, but the overarching objective remains the same — shining God’s glory and serving others so they might see the love and devotion of their Savior. Our jobs are vessels to do this, though they do not define our identity — God does. Therefore, everything we do should be done unto Him and in His name; otherwise, we are not in the right place.

The epilogue of “The Sacredness of Secular Work” was a highlight for me as it offered a clear summary of Jordan Raynor’s intended message. Despite my reservations and disagreements with some aspects of this book, I found value in the breakdowns, particularly the “Seven Ways To Make Disciples at Work.”

While “The Sacredness of Secular Work” missed the mark for me, I can see how it will be a tool for others. Having had multiple conversations with Jordan Raynor, I know he has a heart for serving and encouraging others that their work matters to God, as evident in every book he publishes. So, I will end this review with a word of encouragement. If you’re struggling to find purpose in your work, speak to your coworkers about your faith, or balance your faith with your profession, “The Sacredness of Secular Work” might be the book for you. It will likely resonate with many in the workforce, encouraging believers to be open about their faith, build connections, and align their work with a broader sense of purpose. Although “The Sacredness of Secular Work” was not as impactful for me as “Redeeming Your Time” (still the GOAT of time management books), I hope it will inspire others to fearlessly express their faith and embrace the opportunities the Lord brings their way.

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.*

Great book on how we are to approach our day-to-day jobs as believers. The author helps us to see that our “secular” work matters, not just the moments (the 1% of it) where the gospel is shared with others. He comes on pretty strong (I loved it) in the first chapter about how our cultural Christian movement puts the great commission as the only mission of believers and how we have forgotten all about the first commission- to be productive. He petitions that every part of work is sacred and has eternal value- not just the moments where you get to evangelize to a coworker or give money to send someone onto the mission field.

He quotes many other Christian theologians (Timothy Keller, N.T Wright, John Mark Comer, and more) and uses many examples from culture/media (lots of movie quotes/scenes) which makes it fun.

I thought this book was really well done: explaining part truths we may believe, things he wants to petition us to consider, and ways that our work here and now has eternal benefit in ways we may not consider .

Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Set to release 1/30/24

It is too easy to compartmentalize “Christian work” (ministry) and secular work, when — really — any work that a Christian does is “Christian work.” This book is encouraging and helps put in perspective the value of the work we do every day. Great book.

I needed this book. What a fantastic resource and reassuring hug. Thank you for writing this book! I’ve struggled with this question, and this book has been such a gift to me

Jordan Raynor is a new author to me, but I am happy to have read his book. I look forward to reading more of his works.

The title is what stood out to me the most. Most of us work in a secular job, I have held a federal job for 16 years now and have struggled with the value of the job. I did not really even realize I was struggling with having a secular job and feeling like it may not be my 'calling' from God. This was my first book on theology in the workplace. It paints a beautiful picture for those of us not in ministry as a full-time job. There is still value in our jobs even if they are not ministry or missionary related.

This book was really well written and an 'easy read'. I really appreciated the research that went into this book...it was not simply a feel good book but well thought out and articulated with factual references. Jordan does a great job of bringing biblical facts and references throughout.

Raynor's ideas are solid, but I found myself wanting a little more detail and a little more insight into the why behind how secular work is sacred. There is much to enjoy and agree with from Raynor, but the book felt like it played it a little safe and stayed in the shallower ends of the pool. In particular, there were times I wished Raynor would have considered more aspects of which Christians have viewed secular work as unnecessary or not fulfilling. I certainly would recommend this to someone who is just coming to grips with the fact that their secular work matters, but for anyone desiring a deeper study of this idea, I would not point them towards Raynor's work.

This is a wonderful roadmap for Christians who flounder in how to incorporate their faith into their "secular" profession. Jordan Raynor points us to the "First Commission" narrated by God in Genesis, instructing man to create and develop culture on earth. Work is re-focused to be a means of worship to the Creator by using His creation of the world in Genesis as an example of the talents and gifts given us to reflect being made in His image. It is in the development of culture that we reflect His creative character ... he provides divine mentoring, and all work is viewed as good.

Jordan goes further in giving practical suggestions as to ways we can interject our faith into the work environment with love and care of those we work with, as well how we address the quality of work we do. You don't have to be a missionary in a hut in a foreign country to share the Gospel - you Live it in your work every day.

This book is a huge breath of fresh air and uplifting motivation for us to perform the best work with the tools given us - whatever that work may be.

This book contains familiar concepts to John Mark Comer's "Garden City", N. T. Wright's "Surprised by Hope", Andy Crouch's "Culture Making", and Tim Keller's "Every Good Endeavor".

I think it is so important for pastors like me to have books like these that remind us of vocations outside of the church, "commissions besides the Great Commission" to borrow the language of the author. This is a necessary contribution to the conversation surrounding a theology of work.

The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel) by Jordan Raynor is a book that helps explain a Christian’s role in secular work. As Christian’s, we know that there is nothing in life that is not sacred. This book points to this truth in Scripture. It also helps equip Christians for the role they should play in secular work. Good book overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Are those that work in fields outside of the church's structure doing wrong for not being active ministers? This is something that many struggle with since they are not able to share the gospel all the time. Jordan Raynor tells those people that they do not need to worry because God sees value in their work. This message is important for everyone to hear. Raynor shows how God cares for all work that is done for Him, even if it is done in the secular workplace.

Raynor raises a lot of good points, and I agree with much of what he writes. However, even with his explanation of what he means, I am still unsure about putting emphasis on pursuing eternal rewards. I do want to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant," but I do not want my serving God to be done so that I get accolades. At this point, I cannot say Raynor is wrong, just that it is something that I cannot fully support without looking at it more.

Overall, this is a good book for all Christians, but especially for those that are not in a full time ministry.

I received a free ARC of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jordan Raynor's new book is a must read for those who work with or lead ministry with anyone under the age of 80! I was going to write those who work with young men and women, but the truth is everyone who "works" needs to hear this message. There are some finer points that some may disagree with, but the basic premise of all work is sacred to those who follow Jesus needs to be shouted from every microphone and headphone in the world. We have for too long allowed the idea of sacred and secular to be a part of our vocabulary. For the follower of Jesus, everything we do is sacred or dedicated to the Lord. That includes our jobs and work. It's an entertaining read as well as informative. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I thought I was not going to like this book as it was going to teach that there is no need for a Christian to evangelise at the workplace, and that a "good" Christian is synonymous with a "good" worker. However, Raynor's thesis avoids this. Instead, he argues that "Jesus's call to be his witnesses in Acts 1:8 doesn't <i>just</i> mean evangelism, but it certainly <i>includes</i> evangelism". Indeed, he actively pushes back against the error that one might be "so content with the intrinsic value of our work that we rarely, if ever, leverage our work to the instrumental end of sharing the gospel".

Raynor first pushes back against the "Abridged Gospel", that "The gospel is the good news that Jesus came to save people from their sins." Instead, the "Unabridged Gospel" starts at creation and the purpose that the beings that bear God's image have in God's world. It then goes through the fall, which leads to a need for a saviour and that is where the "Abridged Gospel" comes in. However, it does not end there – we are saved (not <i>by</i> our works but) for good works that we were prepared to do, to partner with God in the redemption of His creation.

Raynor helpfully adapts the work of many like Tim Keller and NT Wright to paint a vision of work and the mission of the church as God's people on earth as a hopeful one – not pulling souls off a sinking ship that is earth, but participating in the work of redemption that God is committed to throughout the Bible. Raynor does not quote this, but Part I of the book reminded me of NT Wright's comment on the final stanza of 'How Great Thou Art', that instead of "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation <i>and take me home</i>, what joy shall fall my heart", the portion in italics would better read "and heal this world" (see Wright, <i>Surprised by Hope</i>, Chapter 2).

On application, Raynor helpfully gives suggestions on what work with redemptive qualities would look like. It would entail prayer, hard work, endurance of insults for the sake of Christ, giving of proceeds to the poor, being a good friend and hospitable to co-workers, and doing good to co-workers even (and especially) if they are not friendly, and looking for opportunities to discuss spiritual matters. For those who prefer an author walking you through response, there are helpful "Your Sacred Response" sections at the end of each chapter which outline suggestions on how practically to respond to what you have just read, and Raynor also has a workbook attached to the book available for download on his website.

One point that I am not sure about, however, is a section of the book inviting readers to "unashamedly chase after eternal rewards" as motivation for work, and that greater work leads to greater rewards. While the points for application are extremely useful (the way the book encourages maximisation of eternal rewards is by doing some things outlined in the previous paragraph), I worry that the wording of the brief section can lead the reader towards a strictly meritocratic view of the new heavens and earth, where those with greater merits lord it over those who are saved as if barely escaping fire (1 Cor 3:15). While there are passages that point towards greater rewards corresponding with great works, there are also parables (eg. Matt 20:1-16) and teachings of our Lord (eg. Matt 20:25, Luke 22:25-27) that point away from a strict hierarchy and meritocratic system. I acknowledge that this might be reading too much into the brief treatment on the topic the book gives, but the potential for misleading is there.

Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, this book is a highly recommended read for a theology of work which entails a vision of hope and redemption, or as a book which draws out the day-to-day implications and application of a theology of redemption, rather than one which anticipates the world passing away and dissolving and thus only evangelism holds value.