Recently, while I was spending time with my daughter at home after a long day at work, I heard this voice in my mind: “Do not work for money. Work for blessings that money can’t buy.” Great reminder, isn’t it?

Of course, we work for a living. Making money is part of the “living” we work for. We work to make money—to provide for our families and to supply our needs (and wants, sometimes).

Suppose you had to work without getting paid at your current professions, would you be willing to continue? Or, would you think it’s unfair to keep working with no salaries? No matter how passionate you are with your work, you wouldn’t be happy if your work is not appreciated, would you? (If you said that you were willing to continue working without getting paid, then your companies would probably feel most grateful… or offended?) 🙂

Scripture teaches this principle: “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.” (Romans 4:4) and the employers or masters should not withhold the wages of the workers (Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Jeremiah 22:13, Colossians 4:1, James 5:4).

It’s true and reasonable that everyone works to gain profits. In other words, nobody works to incur losses. In this regard, money is one form of profits that we expect to get from work. However, I believe there is a deeper purpose of the work itself—than just for making money.

The idea of “working for money” implies that money is the only goal, or the ultimate goal, of the work or the only or ultimate reason why we work. That voice in my mind is completely against this idea. Instead, I was told or reminded to “work for blessings that money can’t buy.”

So, what are the blessings that money can’t buy? I’ve learned there are many, based on my Christian perspective, which can be grouped into three: relationship, revelation, and reputation. Let’s unpack each of them.

Relationship. First and foremost, it is our relationship with the Life Giver, the One who entrusts His gifts to us and enables us to work in the first place. We are to work as for the Lord, our true Master, rather than for human masters (Colossians 3:23-24). Our works reflect our devotion and dedication to Him. The utmost motivation in work is to please and praise [give honor to] the Creator, the One who deserves all glory. When our hearts are committed to Him, our works essentially become our worship.

Second, it is our relationship with others, including family, friends, loved ones, and even strangers. Work to develop or nurture our ‘horizontal’ relationships. Use money as tools to bless and help others, especially those in need. Aim to work hard and smart—effectively and efficiently—so that we can spend more time with our family, friends, and loved ones. Pursuing good and healthy relationships are vital to our career success. Use money and love people, not the other way around.

Third, it is our relationship with our own selves. Our works are natural expressions of our inner beings—what we do ultimately tells who we are. Therefore, we work best naturally according to our unique gifts and personalities (and supernaturally according to the calling and purpose that the Lord has for us). Knowing who we are, what we are good at, what our passions and purposes are will enable us to do our works sincerely and wholeheartedly, bringing us true fulfillment and rewarding experiences in life.

Revelation. It is important to know the meaning of our works. Knowing what we are doing have great impact in the lives of others—for a greater cause—will bring happiness, even satisfaction, that money can’t buy. This knowledge ultimately comes from spiritual relationship with our Master, who is the source of wisdom, and is initiated by the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). In all we do, say, and think, we are to remember there is a greater power that sustains us and gives us those abilities—from the One who deserves our utmost respect and trust. When we know who we are and what our roles are, according to the knowledge and wisdom we receive from Him, we will not live with intimidation or insecurity and we don’t even bother making comparison with others. Such a revelation is essential for us to be able to work with right motivation, which determines our physical, mental, and even spiritual health. Having the right mindset about our works will bring us, not only competence, but also contentment. You see, good health requires not only a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, but also a solid understanding about the importance of our works (i.e., why we do what we are doing)—done out of love, done in faith, done with hope and joy in our hearts.

Reputation. What good will be to have all treasures in this world without love and respect? Scripture reveals, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1, NIV) or stated another way, “A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” (Proverbs 22:1, MSG). Good reputation, however, does not come easy or for free; it demands integrity. Learn from the examples of people who became corrupted after being entrusted with higher positions or greater authorities at work—they started well, but ended up miserably; or consider “those who want to be rich that fall into temptation and get trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9). In other words, pursuit of money or worldly treasures could harm our characters, and Scripture has warned us clearly about this: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19). Therefore, having a good name is worth far more than accumulating earthly possessions. Think about it: people would rather remember or care about who we are than how much money we have (which is especially true after one dies).

So, it is crucial to change our perspective or, simply, shift our focus. Do not focus on money. Focus, not on the gifts, but on the Giver. I found it is amazing that this principle was already taught by Jesus more than two millennia ago and it still rings true today: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [riches, money].” (Matthew 6:24)

In a world filled with pursuits of treasures and pleasures, where get-rich-quick schemes are increasingly promoted via digital technologies which can be easily found online every day, it is important to constantly examine our motives at work. As a Christian, I believe that Christ’s words remain timely and significant: “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT)

Your soul (and my soul) are blessings that money can’t buy. Do not exchange it for money (or any temporary riches) that can never satisfy. Do not sacrifice your time, your family, and your life for money. The most important question we can ask ourselves today is not “Am I rich?” but rather “Am I saved?”—and it is equally important that we are able to answer this question with confidence.

Let us pursue eternal riches—God’s kingdom and His righteousness—which can ultimately be found in Christ Jesus, our Great Reward. This pursuit begins with changing our “appetite” by desiring heavenly treasures more than earthly riches; by craving and striving for blessings that money can’t buy much more than money itself. Let God, not money, change our hearts and help us realize the surpassing worth of knowing Him and the incredible privilege of having a personal relationship with Him.

Read also: On God and Money: A Biblical Perspective