I encounter a lot of people who struggle with finding meaning and purpose in their work. For some, they’re educated for a field outside of their current job. Others are doing work far below their education or skill level. For others, they are passionate about something they think they just can’t make a living doing.

Even if you consider your job menial, monotonous, or insignificant, I’m here to tell you that your work matters! Here’s why:

When you provide labor, you’re contributing to your own upkeep. If you have income, you’re able to support yourself. No matter how insignificant you consider the work you do, it has value because it’s your way of paying your way.

Think about this: If you didn’t work, someone else would have to work to support you. Whether it’s your family, a friend with a couch, a contributor to a church or charity, or your fellow tax-paying citizen, the money to feed and clothe you has to come from somewhere. When you’re working, it’s coming from you, and those other dollars can go to work somewhere else.

If you contribute to the household at home, say as a stay-at-home mom or a caregiver for an elderly relative, your contribution is priceless! But it can also have a dollar amount attached to it. You can come up with a figure two ways.

One way is to ask yourself, "How much would I make working outside the home?" That’s what your time is worth, and that’s what your household is, in effect, "paying" you to stay home.

A second way is to ask, "How much would I have to pay someone to do all the things I’m doing?" If you weren’t around, someone would still have to cook, clean, take grandpa to the doctor, and take care of the kids. Assign a dollar amount to the list below. You’ll see it really adds up!

How do I know you’re benefiting others? You’re getting paid!

Dave Ramsey calls a dollar a "Certificate of Appreciation." The reason you’re getting paid is that someone is willing to pay for the work you do. It has value to someone, and that someone is willing to pay for that benefit.

For someone who follows Christ, all of life is sacred. Christ-followers are called ambassadors for Christ. Every Christian is on mission. Every encounter is an opportunity for ministry. In your sphere of influence, you may be the only intentional Christ-follower some people will encounter. You may be the only Bible they will ever read.