❤️ Faith and Work: A Tribute to Tim Keller

(3.5 min read) 3 Concepts, 2 Frameworks, 1 Proverb Pic

Author

Erick Vargas
May 21, 2023

Happy Sunday! This is the Christian Entrepreneur, today’s newsletter is a tribute to Pastor and Christian thought leader Tim Keller. No other person has had a greater theological impact on my faith and work than him.

Check out his book Every Good Endeavor, where he connects your work to God’s work in our lives. Purchase it here

3 Growth concepts

Concept #1

“Our daily work can be a calling only if it is reconceived as God’s assignment to serve others.”

Tim Keller

My Takeaway: Our culture can be very negative about work. We want easy work or no work at all. This is wrong and not in alignment with our design. We serve a God that works and created us to work. Work is tainted by sin, but before the fall, work was fulfilling and our calling to cultivate the Earth. Whether you love your work or not, we have all been called by God to do what is in front of us for his glory.

Concept #2

“Business owners shouldn't squeeze every penny of profit out of their business for themselves"

Tim Keller

My Takeaway: Profits are important, but not the end goal. Business owners must steward their profits to further invest in the kingdom. It is important for business owners to understand that no amount of money is enough for the sense of security and identity you might be looking for. Only Jesus can give you that. Once Jesus is enough, you can do some exciting things for other people and the Kingdom with your profits.

Concept #3

“The gospel also gives us new power for work by supplying us with a new passion and a deeper kind of rest.”

Tim Keller

My Takeaway: Before the gospel, work is a way to create an identity for yourself. The intensity and restlessness that is never enough. The gospel allows us to work with purpose but without a self-destructive intensity. When you have everything you need in Christ's work, it becomes service to others instead of a desperate need to create an identity.

2 Personal frameworks

1. If your leadership starts with, how will people see me/this decision, you are following and not leading.

True leadership is not driven by self-image or fear of perception. It emanates from a genuine desire to inspire and guide others towards a shared vision. Leaders prioritize the collective over personal gain, making decisions based on what is right, not popular. They chart their own course, inspiring others to follow suit.

2. Live for fulfillment

Choosing a life of fulfillment goes beyond seeking temporary happiness. It means making decisions that contribute to our long-term well-being and purpose. We grow personally, form meaningful relationships, and pursue goals that bring lasting satisfaction. True fulfillment comes from finding our purpose and becoming the best version of ourselves.

1 Proverb Pic

“The gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, but more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope.” - Tim Keller

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Entrepnueship is creating as God creates—something out of nothing. Thanks for being a part of my journey and this community!

❤️ Erick Vargas

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