The Code of Contentment
Dedicate a year. Discover what matters.
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What is the Purpose of Work?
There have been countless mornings throughout my career where I've woken up with a lingering question: "What is the true purpose behind all this?" The routine of waking up, heading to work, returning home, sleeping, and repeating this cycle for years can at times seem rather mundane and, frankly, disheartening when work is perceived solely as a job and nothing more.
Yet, buried within this routine lies a deeper truth: the need to unearth a profound purpose within our work beyond the job tasks themselves. Genesis 2:15 reveals that "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." He commanded Adam to work it, not just to consume it. At our core, as God's children, we're designed to work. Even God Himself engaged in work—creating the Garden of Eden, as illustrated in Genesis 2:2: "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work."
Work's inclusion as one of the earliest mentions in the Bible is deliberate—it's meant to be seen as a form of service and worship to our Lord. When we begin to perceive our work as a means of honoring and glorifying God, it transforms into an avenue for expressing praise and joy to our almighty creator. Granted, let's not deny the existence of toilsome, tedious, and downright unenjoyable work experiences—we've all had our share of those. However, work encompasses seasons of sowing and reaping, moments of fulfillment and discouragement, and stretches of contentment and restlessness. Each of these seasons contributes to shaping us into the individuals God intended us to be, using work as the vehicle for that growth.
Regardless of these seasons, when we view our work as a form of worship and our workplaces as our mission fields, we have the opportunity to honor God in remarkable ways. I've discovered that adopting this perspective on work has been an immense source of encouragement for me, sustaining me through both the highs and lows of my career.
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About the Book
For anyone struggling to find the balance between a career of success and the life of faith God has called them to, The Code of Contentment provides the playbook. Author Paul TenHaken pulls from his decades of experience as an entrepreneur, elected official, and community leader to help readers navigate the continual struggle between earthly success and eternal significance. Using real-world experiences combined with consistent, weekly workbook assignments, The Code of Contentment provides 52 devotionals to create a year-long rhythm of self-reflection for the reader, developing habits of gratitude, relationship building, physical health, and consistent time with God. A perfect book for those who are early in their career and wanting guidance on God’s plan for their life.
About the Author
Paul TenHaken is an accomplished entrepreneur, public speaker, and elected official with a passion for helping leaders at all levels reach their fullest potential. Paul was elected the 32nd Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Before taking office, Mayor TenHaken established a reputation as a leader in the marketing technology sector, founding and successfully exiting Click Rain, a digital technology agency recognized as a leader for innovative product offerings and a unique workplace culture. Paul’s proudest accomplishment is his family—wife, Jill, and their three children. Learn more about Paul at paultenhaken.com