This document discusses how Christians should view their work and careers. It begins by noting that most people spend a significant portion of their lives working to pay bills and support their families. However, the author argues that a radical change is needed in how Christians approach work. The document then discusses the Parable of the Talents from the Bible, noting that Christians should use their careers and jobs to further God's kingdom, not just focus on financial gain. It encourages Christians to pray for coworkers and clients, start prayer groups at work, help others financially, and openly share their faith. The overall message is that Christians' "marketplace" is also their mission from God and they should seek to change the world through their work.

1. WHAT ON EARTH ARE
YOU DOING
FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE
By Katja Schmidt

3. LIVE TO WORK TO (TRY
AND)LIVE?
 In your lifetime you will spend about 99 100
hours at work on average (from age 20 – 65)
 We work because most of us have to!
 PAY THE MORTGAGE
 ALL THE OTHER BILLS
 TAKE CARE OF THE FAMILY
 HOLIDAYS
 SO WE CAN RETIRE ONE DAY
 LIVE THE AMERICAN DREAM

4. A RADICAL CHANGE IS
NEEDED

5. PARABLE OF THE TALENTS:
MATTHEW 25:13 - 30
 13 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not
know the day or the hour. 14 For it is like a man
going on a journey, who summoned his slaves
and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he
gave five talents, to another two, and to another
one, each according to his ability. Then he went
on his journey.”
 The word "talent' is derived from the Greek word
talanton', = "balance, sum, weight," was an unit
of weight, in gold and silver.

6.  In this story a wealthy man prepares for a journey by
entrusting his estate to his servants. In Mathew, there
are three servants, and they receive shares according
to their ability (25:15). A talent would be roughly
equivalent to 20 years wages for the average worker.
Five talents = one hundred years worth of labor, an
astronomical amount of money.
 One slave, was however, too afraid to take a risk.
Instead, he attempted to secure his own well-being. In
the end his unfaithfulness to carry on the master's work
cost him severely (25:30). “ For to everyone who has
will more be given, and he will have an abundance
(resources to exercise stewardship over). But from the
one who has not, even what he has will be taken
away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer
darkness. In that place there will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth.”

7. WE NEED TO BE ABOUT HIS
BUSINESS
 In its literary setting, Jesus tells this story to his disciples
(24:3) to prepare them for the days ahead when their
faith will be tested. We are to demonstrate our
faithfulness until the return of the Lord.
 What does faithfulness look like in a time of waiting?
 All who would follow Jesus are to preach the good news
of the kingdom to the whole world (24:14) by going
about the work that the master has called them to do
(24:24-51). This work includes visiting the sick and
imprisoned, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger,
and feeding the hungry (25:31-46). Those who are found
faithful may hear their Master say, "Well done, good and
faithful servant.”

8. YOUR MARKET
PLACE =
YOUR MISSION

9. ON A MISSION:
CHANGE THE WORLD YOU
WORK IN
 ALWAYS be a Christian (not just after hours or Sundays)
 Pray for God’s leadership in your work life
 Let work become an act of prayer
 Pray for your employees, clients, suppliers, co-workers, leaders
 STEP OUT IN FAITH!
 Pray for the sick, broken-hearted
 Start a prayer or bible study group
 Give and help others financially
 Love those around you – be compassionate, be there to listen
and be a friend. (Err on the side of love rather than judgment)
 Be real! Be the Light and the Salt. Lead people to Christ.

10. LIVE YOUR LIFE RADICALLY
FOR CHRIST
 “THE KEY is realizing, and believing, that this world is not
your home. If you and I ever hope to free our lives from
worldly desires, worldly pleasure, worldly dreams,
worldly ideals, worldly values, worldly ambitions, and
worldly acclaim, then we must focus our lives on
another world….we must fix our attention on “a better
country” – a heavenly one. Though you and I find
ourselves surrounded by the lure of temporary pleasure,
we must fasten our affections on the one who promises
eternal treasure that will never spoil nor fade. if your life
or my life is going to count on earth, we must start by
concentrating on heaven. For then and only then, will
you and I be free to take radical risks, knowing that
what awaits us is a radical reward.” David Platt