Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate Success

by Steve Reynolds, David L. Winters

“We must grab hold of the understanding that we are acting as the very hands and feet of God by caring for His world through our work.”
- Taking God to Work
Achieve Ultimate Success by Taking God to Work
- Accomplish more than you ever dreamed
- Integrate divine purpose into your current employment
- Find a job you can love
Rock solid advice from the heart of a pastor and the wisdom of a long-time manager, Taking God to Work clearly lays out Biblical principles for enduring success. By integrating your faith with your natural drive, you can climb higher and reach more people through your vocation. God wants to help you achieve your maximum potential for taking care of His world. By aligning your beliefs and actions, great accomplishments become, not only possible, but within your grasp. Learn through spotlight features about real Christians who conquered stressful work situations with God’s help. Go deeper with optional study questions at the end of each chapter. Plan action steps and write specific goals to geometrically increase your effectiveness as you serve God and others.
Learn:
- How to beat ten common temptations at work
- How to advance in your career
- Ways to neutralize annoying co-worker behaviors
- Why God wants you to pursue excellence

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Ebooks, Christian Living

278 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2018

About the author

Steve Reynolds, America's "Anti-Fat Pastor," has helped tens of thousands of people lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle. His story has been featured on numerous media outlets including Fox News, CNN, and ABC, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and more. He has served as the senior pastor of Capital Baptist Church in Washington, DC, since 1982. Steve is a graduate of Liberty University and Theological Seminary. Learn more at https://pastorstevereynolds.com/.

Reviews

[Linda J.B.]

Just how amazing is God? Steve Reynolds and David L. Winters, authors of Taking God To Work, combined their anecdotes and biblical strategies in an easy to understand and everyday "guide book" of ways to maintain your sanity as you interact with various situations and diverse people.

Don't be fooled by the title, as this book is useful for those of us that are no longer in the work force but still have to deal with the wild and somewhat dysfunctional friends that are in our lives.

So how do we do that? The authors remind us that God is our CEO, our daily manager, our friend and best of all …"His office door is open." I enjoyed the stories of the Spotlight Features along with the study questions to help personally drive home the importance of how God's teachings can be applied to us.

Having trouble with:

Cursing, anger, lying, overeating, stress, fear, debt, anxiety … just a few in a huge list of trouble spots that bombard us and place us in "sticky" situations. Do you want to be free from living paycheck to paycheck … is that really possible?

Taking God To Work came into my life while studying the book of Daniel, and I found it so compatible with my studies that I couldn't stop reading it, as it enhanced the magnitude of the power God has given us to break the bonds that others put on us, if we will accept His word and love.

[Christy]

Taking God to Work. When I first heard the title, I thought it might be an evangelism book. In one sense it is. But it is so much more than that. This book reminds us that we need to bring God into every aspect of our lives, including work. Colossians 3:23 has always stood out to me as an important work verse. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men". There are biblical principles that help us put our faith into action at work. What type of job should I be doing? How do I deal with my superiors and my co-workers? How do I handle temptations at work? What do I do if I make a big mistake at work? These are some of the topics covered in the book. Reading this book came at a good time for me. I had just started a new job when I was given this book to read. This job was not a job I expected, and it has provided opportunities and challenges I didn’t expect. God is always with us, but it’s up to us to invite Him into our lives at work. We can enrich our lives and the lives of those around us when we let Him guide our actions and reactions at work. The author points out that “Our work life, like the other parts of our lives, isn’t really about us. It’s all about God and our ability to illuminate a path to Him.” Solid and practical advice for every day life.

[Anne Campbell]

Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate Success is a nonfiction aimed at Christians in the secular workforce. I liked it because it's a practical guide with logical solutions. I'd give it at least 4.5 stars.

It's sometimes hard to maintain your Christianity in your job. All around you, the language and behavior invites comebacks that are anything but Christian. God calls us above that, to be His people in a world that is increasingly inviting cheating, extra-marital affairs, and bribery. Christians are not exempt from temptations. If anything, the enemy hurls more at a Christian.

This isn't a book on ethics. It's a guide to keep you operating at Godly levels.

Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

I received a free book from one of the authors, but my opinions are my own.

[Linda Klager]

What an excellent book! The cover portrayed people walking to work. The two authors; one a government worker and the other a pastor wrote such an inspiring piece of literature. The only thing I saw that I thought could be improved was quotation marks needed to be on all Scripture verses. In the beginning of the book I saw the quote marks, but towards the end of the book not all Scripture verses were in quotation marks.

I loved that personal testimonies were included at the end of each chapter and also many anecdotes were included from the perspective of coworkers from all kinds of work situations. I highlighted all of the Scripture in my Kindle for future reference.

This book could be considered a reference book because of all of the helpful information. I am a retired worker, but felt that this book gave me such an uplift from my time in my career. I highly recommend this book to all workers and even retired people as the last chapter deals with life after a career. A Christian is never really retired after all.

[Julia]

Taking God To Work by Steve Reynolds and David L Winters is a powerful book full of godly advice, scripture, practical examples and life lessons for us all to learn as we negotiate the world of work.
Work is nothing new, it's been around since Adam and Eve. The idea of taking God to work will help us in our daily challenges. If we fix our eyes on Him and apply His Biblical principles, we can achieve a work/life balance that will glorify Him.
The authors identify challenges and pitfalls in our work lives. They offer solutions to problems, backed up with scripture. At the end of each section there are personal testimonies, questions and prayers. These are designed for internal examination, in the aim of becoming the best worker we can be and for us to get the best out of our jobs.
We must always trust God, pray and listen to the Holy Spirit. We need to be kind, offering goodness and forgiveness. Life is a spiritual battle but we can always call on the infinite God of the universe to help us.
There are no retirement plans in God's kingdom. If you are still breathing, God has a plan for you beyond the workplace.
Taking God To Work is a very powerful self help book, pointing us to God, that will aid us in the workplace.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Bill Pence]

The co-authors of this book are Steve Reynolds, pastor of Capital Baptist Church in Annandale, Virginia, and David Winters, who worked more than 30 years as a federal employee and manager. Having a pastor and a marketplace leader co-write the book is not unlike what Greg Gilbert and Sebastian Traeger did with their The Gospel at Work: How the Gospel Gives New Purpose and Meaning to Our Jobs, one of my favorite books on integrating faith and work.
This book is very practical, and covers a large number of subjects concerning our work as believers, including some areas not covered by other books in the genre (such as the way we handle our personal finances, mistakes in our work, spiritual opposition, etc.). I appreciated the way in which the book was organized, with a helpful “Summary” at the end of each chapter, followed by a short “Spotlight Feature” which focused on a believer in the workplace, “Spotlight Questions”, “Study Questions” and a prayer. Including the “Study Questions” makes this very readable and practical book a good one to read and discuss with others who are wanting to better serve God in their work.
The author's purpose in in writing is to equip the reader to make the most of your work life and help create long-term success for you based on biblical principles. I cringe a little with talk of “success”, preferring that we be faithful in our work. Dan Doriani in his excellent new book Work: It’s Purpose, Dignity and Transformation, tells us that “Scripture speaks most often of faithfulness, not fulfillment, in labor.”
The authors tell us that the primary purpose of work has been for men and women to take care of God’s world and each other. They encourage us to look beyond our earthly boss and see the Father as our employer. They state that any legitimate work that involves caring for people and doesn’t involve sin is part of God’s plan to care for the world. They encourage us to invite God’s presence into our workspace, a subject Russell Gehrlein addressed at length in his fine book
Immanuel Labor—God’s Presence in Our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work.
Some of the sections of the book I found of most value were temptations at work (both of an external nature and those that come from our own internal fallen nature), deciding when to change jobs, living a balanced life and rest, relationship issues (working with difficult people), stress (fear and worry), mistakes in our work, and retirement.
This is not a deeply theological look at work from a Christian perspective, but a very practical book filled with helpful stories and illustrations.
I highlighted a number of passages as I read the book. Below are 10 of my favorite quotes from the book:
1. God meant for us to be workers, whether we work at a job, by volunteering, or at home in the family.
2. As employees within a company or organization, we have the responsibility to treat all people equally, whether or not they adhere to our belief system.
3. Work is not a curse from God but is a gift from God.
4. Our efforts should reflect the glory of God in everything we do.
5. God wants us to pursue excellence in everything we do.
6. God instructed us to rest one day each week. From the beginning, His plan included rest.
7. The biggest work problems are people problems. In fact, most people change jobs because of relationship issues.
8. When we say goodbye to our workplace or our career, perhaps the most important thing is to know we tried our best to please God each day.
9. Until God calls you to your eternal home, you have not completed your earthly work.
10. Retiring from a career should just be a transition to even more rewarding service.

[Holland]

Christians spend far more time at work and with family than they do at church or in Bible study. And yet, most books on faith deal with church and overt spirituality. A few address family issues. Almost none speak to the Christian in the workplace. Steve Reynolds and David Winters set out to change that in Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate Success. Using scripture, personal stories, practical thoughts, and spotlights on Christians in the workplace, these authors provide a resource for Christians who seek to follow Jesus right to work.

[Jeannie Sharpe]

Wonderful Studies Of God’s Word

Loved this book by David Winters. He poured his heart and soul into it. The featured spotlight from so many different kinds of folks were special and well put together. I would recommend this book to anyone. It’s a great study of God’s words and works that we can carry into our work place. Also a great reference tool that we can use everyday to help us stay focused on JESUS.
Great job David. So enjoyed.

[Janice]

What an outstanding book! I decided to read this book slowly, like a chapter a day, in order to let the chapter's words soak through my thoughts that day. Each topic is so important to each of us who work, as well as each of us who will be working. It even addresses those of us who are "not working" or retired! Retirement is defined as the time to graduate to more service! While I was familiar with much of the material, and agreed with it, it was presented in an insightful and inspirational way. I especially enjoyed the worker presented at the end of the chapter, and meaningful prayer. The book could be used as an individual or group Bible study, as there are related questions and Bible references. Now I intend to introduce this book to my pastor, as it would lend itself to different ways in a church setting, too, such as sermon topics. Last of all, I found the last two pages of working in Washington, D.C. on 9/11 to be fascinating.
I gratefully received this book as a result of a giveaway, and the thoughts expressed are my own.

[Timothy]

Utilizing Bible passages and verses, the authors have created a book that is designed to help the reader bring into or understand that God is in their lives. While the book is written with Christianity and Christian Scripture in mind, the book makes it clear that it is for those individuals in the workplace that are stressed by work-related concerns and dilemmas regardless of their beliefs.

The purpose of the book is to invite God into your life and to understand that while the world is full of bad influences especially in the workplace, you should rise above these negative desires. By adding anecdotes and personal stories make it easier for the reader to understand how to use the Bible verses in when you are in the workforce.

Sometimes the keys to a successful career and life and to help create long term goals is to rise above the everyday desires and temptations and accept God or higher principles.

**I received this as part of goodreads giveaway.

[Nicholas Frazier]

Solid advice for committed Christians

This book is a timely addition to the body of thought on our changing culture. The authors guide Christians in how and when to fulfill God’s charge to spread His word in an increasingly hostile climate. The common sense tips are supported with scriptural references. It should be noted that the text can be read by open minded nonbelievers as well. Winters’s first book, Sabbatical of the Mind, will amplify these ideas for interested readers. Easy prose and well sequenced. Four and a half stars.

[Nathan Barnes]

Very challenging

I have struggled to settle into a job and have a CV that is ridiculously long.
I’m currently in a position where I feel God wants me for his ministry however I feel that our general manager is making it hard for me to work there due to poor service and quality of products.
This being said after reading the book it has challenged me on how to pray into the challenges and for my GM and other employees

[Tobyann Aparisi]

I won this book from Goodreads (Kindle version) for an honest review.

I have always believed taking GOD everywhere even work is key to achieving success. This book is a useful tool to how that works and how to execute taking GOD to work and in your daily life. Easy to read and follow along this is a well written read that with the Bible is a great guide to every day living.

[Melinda M]

Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate Success by Steve Reynolds is a guide to include God when you work. If you do not work this book still is useful because we all encounter difficult non believing people.. It is easy to read and to follow.

[DonniE]

Allowing Secular to Become Sacred

This book is a tremendous encouragement to those of are striving to be faithful in following Christ. As demonstrated in this book, there is no area in our where God should not be invited..

[Nancy Fondriest]

Comprehensive and thought provoking. Love the way Scripture is integrated throughout. Questions at the end of each chapter help to connect to the material. Also appreciated the range of personal stories and applications. Wonderful tool in living an integrated life.

[Shelley Parr]

I received a Kindle copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway, but that doesn't affect my review. My reviews are always short and to the point. Taking God to Work is full of practical, useful ideas for the workplace. I highly recommend it.