Every Good Endeavor
What It Teaches
Keller shows that work is part of God's design from creation, not a result of the Fall. Work is part of God's redemptive plan: it's not just about personal success but serving others, cultivating goodness, stewarding resources, and reflecting God's image.
He addresses common problems like work as toil, work as an idol, and the disconnect between vocation and faith. Then he lays out a gospel-infused vision of work, giving tools for integrity, rest, excellence, and calling.
Why Read It
This book helps you move from viewing work as merely a paycheck to seeing it as calling and worship. It gives theological depth so you don't drift into secularism or compartmentalize faith from work. It equips you to navigate everyday struggles—burnout, meaninglessness, identity—under Scripture.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…" — Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV)
"Your labor in the Lord is not in vain." — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Tangible Applications
Pause and thank God for one way your job mirrors creation; note where you see God's image in your work.
Identify one task you often dismiss as "just busy work"—reframe it as service to neighbor and do it with renewed intention.
Write down one frustration or disappointment in your work. Pray and ask God where there is redeeming purpose even in trial.
In your task list tomorrow, pick one "extra mile" move (kindness, quality, clarity) to do—do it for God, not man.
The Sacredness of Secular Work
What It Teaches
Raynor challenges the notion that "spiritual work" is the only work that matters. He argues all faith-honoring work has intrinsic, eternal value. He presents 4 ways jobs matter for eternity: God rejoices in your work, eternal rewards await, you pull heaven into earth, and you leave a lasting legacy.
He critiques truncated views of the gospel and "half truths about heaven," showing that God's kingdom encompasses all of life—not just Sunday or ministry moments. Using Scripture, testimony, and research, he demonstrates that your office, shop, home, classroom, or route matter eternally.
Why Read It
This book helps you overcome the guilt that your secular work is irrelevant to God's mission. It reshapes your ambition: from earthly prestige to eternal fruit. It gives a high view of everyday faithfulness—showing that your seemingly small acts participate in God's kingdom. It helps you live with hope in your work, not cynicism.
"God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown…" — Hebrews 6:10 (ESV)
"Let your light shine before others…" — Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
Tangible Applications
Take one area of your work you've dismissed and pray: "Lord, show me how this matters eternally."
Choose one portion of your job you usually rush—do it with delight and gratitude, as worship.
Add one small kingdom habit today (kindness, rest, justice) into your work setting intentionally.
Write a 50-word "eternal outcome" you hope God uses your work for—even after you're gone.
Learning Guide & Workbook
A chapter-by-chapter companion to help you internalize and act on what you read. Includes reflection questions, action steps, memory verses, and daily workflow integration.
Note: We don't receive sales commission from these links. We recommend these books because they've shaped how we see work through the lens of Scripture. All Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible and fully cited.