Who Do You Work For?

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

— Colossians‬ ‭3:23 (NLT)

Who do you work for, really? 

We’ve opened up the iWork4Him radio program and podcast with those words for nine years. Your efforts on a daily basis have got to be for something. So, who do you work for? 

Is it your money, your car, your house, or are you just working for a paycheck? You make an effort to go to work every day, which means you must have a reason. So, you’ve got an answer to this question: who do you work for, really? 

To be honest with you, for the first 20 years of my career, I thought I was working for a bigger house, faster cars, and a more prestigious position. I had been taught that business and faith had nothing to do with each other and that my only purpose in being a business guy was to make a lot of money so I could give it to the Church, who then did the “real” ministry of the gospel. That, of course, was a big fat lie. But I lived within that lie for 20 years. 

At age 40, I finally realized what God had been trying to teach me for two decades: my work mattered to Him. When I worked for others, I was really working for Him (Col 3:23). And what’s more, He wanted to join me in my work. 

 Why? To attract others into a conversation about Jesus, of course! 

Everything about our work should display and demonstrate the very work that God is doing in our hearts, minds, and souls. I like to see it this way: as a Jesus Follower, everything about you should be changing, and everyone around you should be benefiting from your faith, whether they believe in Jesus or not. When you work as if you are working for the God of the universe, the creator, the savior of this planet, it changes how you work. 

I need this reminder all the time, and I hope it finds you at a turning point today. Your work matters to God – invite Him in! 

To find out more about my personal journey to this understanding, listen to the first chapter of iWork4Him on audiobook HERE.

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Who are You Representing?

“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!””

— 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:20 (NLT)

What does it mean to be an ambassador? 

 When you put it in terms of an ambassador of the United States, it means a representative of our nation to another nation in order to create goodwill, peace, and mutual agreement. 

 But what does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? 

 Really, the same thing. 

 We are God‘s representative here on earth, showing others who God is through the work that He has done in our lives. We are his hands and feet to the nations. God wants everybody to know how much He loves them and cares for them. Romans 5:8 says, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” God loves that coworker you find mildly annoying, that troublesome client, and that boss who micromanages you so much that He sent His only son to die for them!

 When we see our role as an ambassador, a representative of God, it shifts our thinking and changes our behavior towards others. 

 What does it look like to be an ambassador for God representing the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, in your workplace? If someone asked your coworkers who you represent or are an ambassador for, would they say Jesus or your favorite sports team?  We all know what it’s like to be a fan, but God is not looking for fans. He’s looking for ambassadors. 

 Are you looking for some motivation on how to get out and be an ambassador for Christ? Listen to this quick 16-minute interview with David Roth from WorkMatters about how our actions at work speak louder than our words! 

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Finding Your Significance

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”

— 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:27 (NLT)

I love it when the Apostle Paul talks about all the different parts of the body of Christ because so often, we get caught up in comparing ourselves to someone who was designed to function differently. We look at their role, giftings, or talents and wonder why we don’t have the same ones or we don’t look the same way. 

 For instance, I grew up thinking that the mouth was the most important part of the body. But it’s not. It’s just one part of millions. Some of us are tendons, some muscles, some bones; others are hands, feet, arms, or legs. Some of us are hearts and some minds. 

 No matter which part of the body of Christ you are, you are essential, and your role is significant. 

 No one part of the human body is independent of the other parts of the body. We, as humans, tend to diminish some parts of the body in their significance because they are less visible, but God doesn’t; every part is completely necessary for the functioning of the whole. 

 So which part are you? Are you one of those fancy parts that have skin and people can see from the outside? Or are you one of those behind-the-scenes workers like blood vessels, tendons, or muscles? 

 Whatever your role, whatever your personality, whatever your gifts, talents, and abilities are, they are significant. God made you exactly as you are. There are no mistakes. He made you so that you could impact the lives of those you were designed to. It is through the humility of any believer, in any position, that others are attracted to Christ. 

 Every part of the body is important, but it’s crucial to know which part you are. We need to understand who God created us to be and what he created us to be doing. If these are questions you haven’t thought about or don’t know the answers to, I recommend checking out Identity & Destiny: 7 Steps to a Purpose-Filled Life. You can also listen to our bonus author interview with the founder’s of Identity & Destiny, Tom and Pam Wolf, HERE.

 Celebrate who God created you to be and find out how God wants to use you.

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Switching Your Faith On

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

— Matthew‬ ‭5: 14-16‬ (NLT)

When I was 18 years old, I memorized Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus’ metaphor here makes a lot of sense – and it really applies to our work. I’ve got a good friend who runs the ministry WorkLife.org. One of the things he talks about in his ministry is how believers “switch off” their faith when they go to work. It’s kind of like the modern-day version of sticking your light under a bowl. 

 When we switch off our faith, nobody gets to benefit from your light… because nobody even knows about your light. Yet, Jesus says that we – you and me - are the light of the world. Therefore, we need to let our light shine before men that they may see the good works that flow from the very Spirit of God inside us!

 So, what does that look like?

 When you are a follower of Jesus, good things naturally start to seep out of you, like light through cracks. Sure, it may take some time, and the dark, sinful things are often still mixed in. But the reality is that Jesus is renewing your mind and purifying your soul. This process, called sanctification, is lifelong. But “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) 

 Take a moment this week and consider these questions: Are you switching off your faith when you go to work? Is everyone around you benefiting from your faith whether they believe in Jesus or not? Is your light hidden or on a stand? Take the bowl off and smash it on the ground - be bright today! 

 For a dose of daily light and inspiration on your way to work, tune in to the iWork4Him PowerThought, a 1-minute daily challenge to live out your faith at work! 

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Putting on the Fragrance of Christ

“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. ”

— 2 Corinthians 2: 15-16 (NLT)

When you think of your job, what comes to mind first? Your to-do list? The promotion you’ve been working towards? An upcoming meeting or presentation? A project? 

 So often, our focus centers on tasks rather than on relationships. Yet, the true value of our work - the eternal value – is not found in accomplishments but people. 

 The reality is that God placed you where you are, right now, today, for a purpose: to share the love of Christ with everyone around you. And when we live by faith, inevitably, our lives become a catalyst for conversations with those around us. Customers, coworkers, and clients will want to know why we have hope, why we care, why we don’t gossip, and why we go above and beyond. And that curiosity is a golden opportunity to share the Gospel! 

 You may be thinking, “But Jim, I don’t know how to share my faith. I’m afraid I’ll say something wrong or something stupid.” 

 First of all, you aren’t alone in that fear. And second, let me remind you that most people are led to Jesus by hearing someone’s story. Sharing the Gospel doesn’t have to be complicated or full of complex theology. We just need to learn to tell our Jesus story. 

 I was introduced to Christ by a missionary during a conference when I was six. But I was challenged to walk with Jesus and make Him my Lord by a speaker when I was 13; that’s when I went all in. My life has never been the same. Everything about me started changing. 

 Your story will not be like mine; your story is your story. BUT it will have something in common: the grace of the cross and the power of Christ. 

 Our lives and stories are like a signature fragrance with the same base note of “Jesus.” And your faith story will seep out of you and impact others long before you realize that anyone is paying attention. As the Apostle Paul writes, some people will think your fragrance stinks, and others will be attracted to it. But your story - and how Jesus is changing the very way you think and act - will flow out of your every word and movement. 

So, don’t be afraid to share the Gospel at work; just focus on living your faith openly each and every day! And if you need a few tips on what that looks like, check out the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, which gives four simple steps to sharing your faith at work.

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Your Fruit is Your Testimony

We’ve been talking a lot about fruit this month. I live in Florida, and February is the month where fruit comes alive. The strawberries are monstrous, the oranges are fantastic, the tomatoes are delicious - February is fruit month for sure. It may seem weird for those of you that live in the tundra, but it’s gorgeous down here in February. 

 Today, I want to finish talking about our fruit tree, as in our very body that is the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Over the last few blogs, we have talked about many aspects of being a believer who produces ripe, lasting spiritual fruit. But one thing we haven’t discussed is what good fruit actually looks like and the impact it has on those around us. The way I see it, our hearts and thoughts grow our attitudes, words, and actions - aka our fruit. They determine if what comes out of us is good or bad. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus says, 

“Evil originates from inside a person. Coming out of a human heart are evil schemes, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, treachery, debauchery, jealousy, slander, arrogance, and recklessness. All these corrupt things emerge from within and constantly defile a person.” (TPT) 

 Evil thoughts will grow rotten fruit. Holy thoughts will grow good fruit. And the quality of our fruit - of our attitudes, words, and actions – will either attract people to God or leave them with a bad taste in their mouth. 

 The Apostle Paul writes that the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which lives inside you and me, is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When you demonstrate these fruits in all areas of your life, people will notice… they are going to be left wanting more. This is our testimony, our witness to a world dying for a taste of who God is. 

 So, how do we ensure that this is the kind of fruit we are producing? 

 Simple. We must take good care of our tree – our body, mind, and heart. Because the reality is that good, healthy trees will naturally produce good fruit (even if it takes some time). This blog post on Good Fruit Starts at the Root is an excellent starting point if you want to find out more about how to do this! 

 When I look at my own life, I recognize a couple of fruits of the Spirit that I struggle with: gentleness and self-control. I often pray that people will see gentleness in me and know that I am a transformed person because, on my own, I’m not particularly known for my gentleness. This trait, this good fruit, is the evidence of Christ at work in me. In fact, my prayer is that before I meet my Savior face-to-face, everyone I encounter will know me and come to know Christ by my good fruit - especially gentleness and self-control. 

 What fruits of the Spirit do you want to produce more of in 2022? How can you cultivate a healthier “tree” in order to produce better fruit in the days to come?

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Good Fruit Starts at the Root

I love fruit. If I have to choose between eating fruit and eating vegetables, I always go for the fruit. Why? Because it tastes better, of course! Compare the taste of a fresh Kiwi to that of a fresh brussel sprout. There’s no comparison! Good fruit leaves a great taste in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. 

 But how do you get good fruit? Simple. You have to have a healthy tree. And how do you have a healthy tree? The tree needs to be planted in good soil, well-watered, fertilized, and pruned each year. 

 A tree in good soil that is well-watered, well-fertilized, and well-pruned will produce the most incredible fruit. 

 In a lot of ways, we are like fruit trees or vines. In fact, Jesus directly compares his followers to them in John 15 where he says, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches... I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.” (v. 15, 16)

 To produce the kind of “good fruit” that leaves a great taste in the mouth of everyone we encounter, we must have a healthy spiritual life. This means being planted in good soil, rooted in faith and nothing else. It means being well-watered through the wise counsel and teaching of those spiritually more mature than us. It requires being regularly fertilized and fed through daily time with God through Scripture reading, praying, journaling, and stillness. And, although perhaps a frightening thought, it means allowing God to prune away the parts of our lives that are no longer serving him. Or as Jesus says in John 15:2, “He cuts off every branch of. Mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.“

 When we, as believers, plant ourselves in good soil and are well-watered, well-fertilized, and well-pruned, our roots will be strong, and the fruit that we produce will be fantastic! A great fruit tree will not produce great fruit until its roots are strong and it’s had time to mature. 

 So, if you find yourself in a season that feels barren or if God is pruning something away in your life - be patient; the good fruit is coming. 

 For more encouragement on cultivating a healthy, fruitful, and integrated life, I encourage you to check out this podcast interview with Heidi Lewerenz on sheWorks4Him. 

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Producing Fruit that Lasts

In South West Florida, many neighborhoods have homes with beautifully decorated entrances. The owners place flowering plants on their doorsteps and entryways that get changed with the seasons. These plants are engineered to bloom for a time, and then as soon as they look “spent,” they are pulled out and changed for something new. In contrast, the landscaping was more permanent in the Midwest, where Jim and I first met. Most of the flowers were perennial, and trees were allowed to mature over time (I suppose much of this has to do with the winter months, but that’s another blog for another time!) 

The thing is, for plants to thrive over time, they must be well-tended and cared for; their root system needs to be healthy, and regular pruning and fertilizing must be done.  

There is so much we can apply to life from this simple comparison. We can be like the Florida landscaping, looking nice and neat for a season, producing beautiful blooms for others to see, adding a splash of color and excitement for a time. Then, when we have served our purpose, be plucked from the ground and replaced by something new and fresh, becoming irrelevant and unappealing.

Or we can be like the more mature Midwest landscaping, permanent in nature, allowed to grow tall and strong.  Able to withstand the strong winter winds and hot summer days, bearing fruit and flowers year after year, providing shade and structure.

Psalms 92:14 the psalmist paints a picture of lovers of God that “even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” That’s what I want for my life.  I want to grow strong in my faith over the years so that even in my later years, I’m still producing fruit, vital and green.  

What does that look like? I can imagine that it might mean feeding into the lives of those younger than me. Or it might be finding someone walking a similar vocational path and teaching them from my failures and victories. Or perhaps it will be engaging with my passions and giftings in a new way. Aging doesn’t need to signal a “changing out for something (or someone) new.”  It can simply be a sign to dig deep and produce fresh fruit for this new season of life. 

The iRetire4Him Podcast and iRetire4Him Book are focused on helping you prepare for and move into the next season of life with purpose and calling. Check them out for: 

1.     Tips on being well fed by Scripture 

2.     Challenging conversations on what to keep in life and what to allow God to prune

3.     Resources that help you learn, grow, and mature

Lord, today in my relationships and work, help me produce the fruit you have determined so that I will remain vital and green now and into my old age. May I build relationships that can be nurtured with time and be drawn close to you.  

- Martha

About the Author, Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

Producing Ripe Spiritual Fruit

Have you ever had a word that just rubs you wrong because of a past experience or person who used it negatively? 

Recently, Jim and I were talking about the idea of maturing in Christ, and Jim mentioned that the word “maturing” rubs him wrong because as a kid, he remembers people telling him to grow up and be more mature when he was having fun. So, instead of trying to overcome the negative association, we began to explore other words to use in place of it and landed on the term “ripen.” 

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to ripen is “to bring to completeness or perfection.” 

In John 15:5, Jesus uses this metaphor of fruit to refer to godly character and conduct. He says, “yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.” Later, this same fruit is referred to in Galatians 5:22-23 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics are the spiritual fruits that Jesus is developing or ripening in the lives of those who love him. 

With that in mind, let’s talk about fruit trees. I grew up in Minnesota, where apple picking is a typical fall tradition. If you’ve ever been to an apple orchard, you know that many of the trees have fruit scattered on the ground that has fallen off the branches due to wind. Generally, there are three types of apples you find in the grass: the ripe, the premature, and the rotten.  

The fruit can be hard to tell apart on the branches, but on the ground, it becomes exposed for what it is. If it is ripe, it produces pleasure and delight; if premature, it produces a sour bitterness; and rotten, a horrible distaste. When the branches are shaken, the true fruit is revealed. 

When life shakes us, what fruit – what characteristics – are revealed? 

How do we respond when we are passed by for a promotion, when the diagnosis is bad, when a friendship is broken, a job is lost, or money is tight? What fruit falls? In these moments – I believe the true condition of a heart is shown. And oh, how desperately, we should each desire that the fruit that falls is the ripe fruit of a godly life as listed in Galatians, not the immature fruit of anger or the rotten fruit of hatred and resentment. 

Lord, today I ask that you ripen your fruit in my life. Help me not grow any rotten fruit, but fruit that will bring others closer to you. In my work, produce good fruit for others to experience, and when I get bumped by a co-worker, I pray that my ripe fruit will be the first to fall.  

In Jesus’ name – Amen!

- Martha

About the Author, Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

New Year’s Resolution: Work for the Lord

It’s January, and in the classic western tradition, most of us are thinking about things we can change to make this year better than the last. Whether it’s eating healthier, going to bed earlier, or hitting the gym… New Year’s is the time to commit to healthier habits. But for Christ-followers, it’s also a time to consider what spiritual habits should be cultivated in our lives so that our faith can grow and make a powerful, eternal impact. 

 In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and this is what He asks His followers to do today as well. 

 But how do we carry out this great commission in our everyday lives? How do we make disciples of every coworker, customer, and vendor, especially when our jobs seem redundant, boring, stressful, or frustrating? 

 I believe that to carry out the great commission IN our workplace, we have to resolve to change WHO we work for. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” 

 When we realize that ultimately, it’s not our bosses or their bosses or their bosses that we work for, but that we work for God, it changes everything. Our paradigm shifts to a new understanding because our ultimate employer, the one who arranges the very work that we do, is our Heavenly Father, and we would never deliver garbage work to God. So why do we do it for our earthly employers? 

 One of the notable markings of a true believer at work is the attitude and quality of excellence in completing their work. When you work with excellence and don’t lord it over others, your work stands out and is noticed - not so that you can bring glory to yourself, but so that you can remind people that even in a rough work environment, you work for God and your work matters to Him! 

 Our excellence, no matter the situation, screams our faith is genuine. So, the next time you feel like slacking off at work (not that you ever do), remember that your ultimate employer, boss, and provider is your heavenly father. Let excellence be the platform that launches an opportunity for a faith-filled conversation in 2022!

 Plus, I personally want to invite you to join a community of other Christ-followers with the same spiritual New Year’s resolution of praying for their coworkers by name, building relationships, not taking fine for an answer, and working with excellence unto the Lord. Take the challenge and join the  iWork4Him Nation Covenant. 

 -       Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!