As a book publisher, I spend a lot of time sitting at my desk. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a chair on the market that helps me to maintain the good posture that prevents back pain resulting from prolonged sitting. So, I cobbled one together by repurposing a few off-the-shelf products that, as far as I know, have not previously been used in the construction of an office chair. I have been using this invention as my primary office chair for the past six months.

I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the wise and foolish builders. If you have not, it is a parable that Jesus told, about a man who built his house on a rock, and a man who built his house on the sand. Of course, once a storm came, the house that was built on the sand collapsed. (Matthew 7:24-27) I think that this story is often overlooked, especially if you grew up in a Christian household and sang the song about it. It is a powerful analogy about all aspects of life.

Scripture demands that we love our neighbors, including those who are inconvenient to us. But most people’s daily work takes place in an aggressive marketplace. Companies are under enormous pressure to beat their competitors. Can Christians love their neighbors while striving to outdo them?

Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is “yes.” But it will only happen if Christians are serious about seeing their work and the economy through the lens of God’s Word. And that means pastors and churches play an essential role in helping people think about work.