Faith in the Wild: Faith at Work - Starting the Year on Purpose

Published on 29 December 2025 at 14:43

"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."

— Colossians 3:23–24


A new year has a way of making us pause. The calendar flips, we take a breath, and we think about all the things we want to do differently—better habits, bigger goals, maybe even a renewed sense of purpose. But here’s the thing: God doesn’t just call us to “try harder” in January. He calls us to live fully for Him in every moment—including the everyday spaces that feel ordinary, unnoticed, or even frustrating.

For many of us, those “ordinary spaces” are where we spend most of our time. Our workplaces, our homes, the grocery store, the local coffee shop—these are often where our faith is tested, shaped, and displayed. And here’s the truth: living faithfully in those spaces isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about asking: “How can I serve God here? How can I honor Him in this moment?”

Think about the people you encounter in the next week. Maybe there’s a coworker who drains your patience, or a boss who doesn’t recognize your efforts. Maybe your tasks feel repetitive, unappreciated, or downright mundane. This is exactly where Colossians 3:23 comes alive: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Working heartily for God means choosing integrity when no one is looking. It means choosing kindness when the easy option is sarcasm. It means being faithful in the small, everyday moments because those small acts are part of God’s bigger story.

I’ll be honest—it’s not always easy. When the world tells us to look for recognition, power, or quick results, faith in action can feel invisible. But here’s the reminder: God sees. Every moment of patience, every act of honesty, every gesture of encouragement—it matters. Your faithfulness is not wasted, even if nobody else notices.

As we step into this new year, consider this question: What if the way we live out our faith in our daily “wild” spaces is how God chooses to shine through us this year? What if this year isn’t about adding more to your plate, but about seeing the sacred in the everyday?

Practical Application:

  1. Pick one place to focus your faith this week.

    • Maybe it’s your office desk. Show integrity in your work even when deadlines are tight.

    • Maybe it’s your home. Choose patience with family members instead of frustration.

    • Maybe it’s your local community. Smile at strangers, listen actively, or offer encouragement.

  2. Reflect each day:

    • Ask yourself: “How can I honor God in this task, conversation, or interaction?”

    • Journal one example of how you saw God in that space.

  3. Notice God at work:

    • Faith in the wild isn’t just about what you do; it’s about what God does through you. Pay attention to small changes—someone responds to your kindness, a tense situation diffuses, or you gain clarity in a decision. These are glimpses of God’s presence at work.

Closing Prayer

Lord, as this new year begins, help me live my faith boldly, not just in church, but in the everyday spaces You’ve placed me. Show me how to serve You with purpose in the small moments, the mundane tasks, and the challenging interactions. Remind me that You see and that my faithfulness matters, even when no one else notices. Amen.