Work as Worship: Living Inside God’s Backyard

I once heard a story that reshaped how I think about calling.

Imagine a father who builds a big, beautiful fenced-in backyard for his kids.
He says, “Everything inside this fence is yours. Run, play, create, explore—just don’t go beyond the fence; it’s dangerous out there.”

That fence represents God’s general will—His boundaries and principles for living.
Inside it, there’s freedom.

Every so often, the father steps to the door and calls out,

“Hey, come here for a minute. I have something specific for you to do.”

Maybe it’s to help a sibling, tend the garden, or rest on the porch.
That’s God’s specific will—those assignments He gives in particular seasons.

When we understand this, work becomes worship.
We stop obsessing over whether we’re in the “right” job and start asking,

“Am I playing faithfully inside His fence today?”

That mindset changes everything. It means the CEO and the teacher, the entrepreneur and the stay-at-home parent—all have sacred callings.

Your workplace can become your worship place when you see it through His eyes.

So, whether you’re writing code, leading a team, or raising kids, remember this:
You don’t need a pulpit to be in ministry. You just need to stay inside the fence.

Reflection Question:
Where has God already given you a “yard” to cultivate—and are you playing freely within it or wishing for someone else’s space?

 

This reflection comes from Chapter 3 of From Success to Surrender. If you’ve ever wondered how faith and work intersect, this chapter will reframe how you see your calling.
→ Order the book