By Robert J. Tamasy
For many people around the world, the observance of Holy Week and Easter has just ended. This annual celebration ranks at the top of the calendar for Christendom, but for the marketplace its importance ranks far below other holidays – like Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving.
The reason is simple: In the world of commerce, Christmas and Thanksgiving represent times for greatly increased consumer spending, and for many companies that means a significant surge in revenues. New Year’s Day typically signifies the turn of the calendar and a fresh start for planning and setting goals for another year. Easter, by comparison, does not make as significant a mark on the profit and loss ledger. And yet it is the most spiritual of all holidays, commemorating the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And its impact can be meaningful every day of the year.
How does that relate to the pragmatic, pressure-packed business and professional world? Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ might think Easter has little if any significance. But for those who follow Jesus, who strive to live as disciples of Christ, it should make all the difference in the world. We do not worship and serve a dead spiritual leader or participate in religious rituals with no practical relevance for the everyday workplace. We serve Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead on the third day, and now offers new life to anyone who will receive it. Here is some of what the Bible says:
Aiming for the highest standard. Any good company upholds standards of conduct for its employees, as well as clearly articulated values. Effective bosses communicate what is expected of those who report to them. But for followers of Jesus, we should not only adhere to corporate standards, but also to the standards God has established in the Scriptures. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”(Colossians 3:23-24).
Finding purpose and meaning. For many people, work is only a means for paying bills or attaining a desired standard of living. Followers of Christ, however, have a much higher purpose and calling. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). “…God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ…. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Appropriating the necessary strength. Have you ever found yourself confronting a seemingly insurmountable challenge, yet one that could not be avoided and had to be addressed? Each of us, at one time or another, reaches a point when we think, “I cannot do this!” At such times, Christ provides us with His strength, wisdom and insight. “If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As the apostle Paul declared, “I can do everything through [Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Being able to overcome temptation. There are many temptations in the marketplace, some that seem too enticing to ignore. They might involve being dishonest; stealing; compromising our integrity; engaging in improper relationships, and many other things. In Christ we have the power to resist. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
© 2026. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, co-authored with Ken Johnson; andThe Heart of Mentoring, co-authored with David A. Stoddard, and numerous other books and magazine articles. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
What, if anything, does Easter mean for you? Compared to Christmas and New Year’s, how would you rate its impact for you – both personally and professionally?
Do you agree that biblical teachings call us to an even higher standard of behaviour and performance than company or corporate guidelines establish? Why or why not?
Where do you find meaning for your life? If someone were to ask you, ‘Why do you go to work?’, what would be your answer?
When tempted to do things you know you should not do, whether at work or in your personal life, what is your typical response? Do you fight the temptation, attempt to think about something else, or do you find yourself eventually yielding to the temptation – and then regretting it? How can faith in Jesus Christ make a difference in how we handle the various temptations that confront us every day in the workplace?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
Exodus 20:1-17
Ecclesiastes 2:11,24, 5:18, 12:13
2 Corinthians 5:17
Colossians 3:17
Challenge for This Week
Someone has said if there had not been an Easter, there would have been no reason to celebrate Christmas. This week it might be good to take time to reflect upon what Easter means for you, not only as a once-a-year observance but as an everyday reality.
Share your conclusions with a good friend, mentor, trusted advisor or a small group you meet with regularly. Invite them to share their thoughts as well.