Have you ever passed through an airport, spotted a member of our armed services walking past, and had this almost irresistible urge to go up and thank him or her? Some of them are so strapping that I’ve thought, I sure would want them on my side in a fight!

Over the years, the slogan “Be All That You Can Be” has inspired thousands of men and women in uniform to not only join the military, but to excellence and pride in their profession. 

Excellence in our work should characterize every follower of Jesus. When people observe how we go about our jobs, they should desire to have us on their team. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we are always the employee of the month, nor does it mean we’re perfect. But it does mean that we are the best we can possibly be; when we mess up, we have the integrity and humility to admit it. 

John Schnatter, founder and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza, has a simple and straightforward approach to his business. “Concentrate on what you do well,” he advises, “and do it better than anybody else.” An outspoken follower of Jesus, Schnatter’s philosophy of work has apparently served him well. The company he founded in 1984 grew from one store to 46 within the first seven years, and to 1,600 stores in the next seven. Today, the company is the third largest pizza delivery and takeout chain in the world, with more than 4,700 stores.    

Next to a vital daily walk with God, from which everything else flows, excellence must be the hallmark of our work as believers. The apostle Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23). Giving our employers excellent, whole-hearted work is to do “work as ministry.”

Some of the greatest servants of God in biblical history were marketplace professionals who served with excellence. Job, one of the richest men of his day, was also one of the godliest.  And he wasn’t a prophet or priest — he was a business guy! He was so excellent in every way that God held him up to Satan as the “gold standard” of excellence and integrity. 

Daniel spent 66 years holding some of the highest political offices of his day. His excellence and integrity set him apart, opening doors for some of the greatest kingdom impact imaginable. We are told, “This Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him” (Daniel 6:3, emphasis mine).

There is no shortcut to effective work as ministry. Putting tracts in the company restroom or cornering a co-worker to share your testimony on company time might satisfy your urge to “get the gospel out,” but such approaches can be short-sighted and counterproductive. A vital daily walk with God and a job done with whole-hearted excellence is the best place to start.

Dale Losch joined Crossworld as a disciple-maker in France in 1988, and has served as Crossworld’s president since 2009. He loves to motivate people to use their God-given passions to make disciples wherever life happens. Hear more from Dale.