The Better Way: Applying God’s Word to a Man’s Work and Life
By Marc Ottestad
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” — James 1:5
As Christian men, we face daily crossroads. Whether at work, at the dinner table, or in the silence of our own thoughts, we are constantly making decisions that reveal what we truly believe about God. Will we walk in the world's way—or will we choose the better way that God is always offering?
God never stops inviting us to more: more trust, more clarity, more joy, more impact. He doesn’t wait for us to get it all together before He speaks. He begins in our youth, patiently moving us through our skepticism and restlessness. And as we grow into maturity, He calls us to a faith that is no longer theoretical but transformational.
This transformation is anchored in obedience. Not rigid religiosity, but obedience born from relationship. The more we know, love, and trust our Savior, the more our daily choices reflect that relationship. Obedience displays belief. It's visible, tangible, and—yes—imperfect, but it matters.
So off we go—looking at five core areas of a man’s life where God’s Word and His truth must become the foundation. These are just the beginning of a broader list of ten, but today we’ll dive deep into these five: Work & Vocation, Marriage & Family, Friendships & Community, Health & Self-Care, and Decision-Making.
1. Work & Vocation – Work as Worship
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
It’s fitting that we begin our examination of the godly attribute of applying Biblical principles in all we do with a focus on our work life. At CBMC (Christian Business Men's Connection), we are on a mission to equip men to integrate their faith and their work—because for most of us, that’s where we spend the bulk of our time and carry influence.
Work is not just a paycheck or a platform—it’s part of God’s plan to shape us. It molds our character, sharpens our skills, tests our faith, and often reveals where we’re still trying to be in control. But when we apply Colossians 3:23 to our daily efforts, everything changes.
Each meeting becomes a ministry opportunity. Each task, no matter how small, becomes an offering. And each relationship—clients, employees, vendors—becomes a reflection of God’s love. Our work becomes worship, and worship leads us to prioritize people over prestige, projects and profitability.
So whether it’s day by day, project by project, or deal by deal, let’s work in a way that shows the world who we serve: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
2. Marriage & Family – Love That Looks Like Jesus
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25
In all of Scripture, there may be no more sobering charge to a man than this one. Our homes are our first ministry—and often the most challenging. We are called not just to lead our families, but to love them like Christ loved the church. That’s a sacrificial, patient, grace-filled love that doesn’t keep score.
Marriage and family life are messy. We bring our own wounds, habits, and pride into the picture, and often we lead out of selfishness rather than service. But applying biblical principles here means extending grace, showing up consistently, and choosing love even when it costs us. Often the adulation and respect we feel at work seems lacking at home.
Nevertheless, if our spouses and children don’t see us living out our faith at home, then no platform outside the home matters. The reality is that a man’s spiritual leadership in the home impacts eternity and generations. Anchoring that reality is important. Start here. Ask God to soften your heart, to increase your patience, to give you a vision for how to shepherd those closest to you.
We’re not called to be perfect husbands or fathers. We’re called to be faithful, present, and humble—men who are growing in love.
3. Friendships & Community – Brotherhood That Sharpens
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
Christian men are not meant to walk alone. And yet so many of us do. We keep our struggles hidden, our doubts quiet, and our pace frantic. But Jesus modeled something better. He had 12 disciples but invested deeply in 3: Peter, James, and John.
That’s a blueprint for us. Every man needs a band of brothers—a few trusted men who know your story, speak truth into your life, and call you back to who you are in Christ. These are not just accountability partners; they are lifelines.
When we avoid deep relationships, we stunt our spiritual growth. But when we invest in them—when we choose transparency, encouragement, and truth spoken in love—we become stronger, more grounded, and more fruitful. We need light on our inner thoughts and a man to man conversation is unique. There are things we need NOT share with our wives and children. Remember whatever you hide defines you so DON’T HIDE!
CBMC small groups, peer mentoring, and discipleship circles are great places to start. Don’t go another season alone. Ask God to bring the right men into your life—and be the kind of man someone else needs.
4. Health & Self-Care – Stewardship of the Body
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19
This is an area we often ignore until crisis forces us to pay attention. But Scripture teaches us that our physical health is not just a personal issue—it’s a spiritual one. Our bodies are not our own. They are vessels for ministry, productivity, and endurance.
Being a faithful ambassador of Christ requires energy, clarity, and strength. Being an effective business man requires the same. That doesn’t mean we all need to become fitness gurus—but it does mean we must take care of what God has entrusted to us.
Self-care includes:
Getting enough rest
Eating to fuel, not just satisfy
Hydrating our bodies well
Moving regularly and intentionally
Managing stress through prayer, margin, and Sabbath rhythms
When we treat our health as an act of stewardship, we are better able to serve God and others well. Take it seriously. Ask God for discipline. Begin with one habit at a time.
5. Decision-Making – Seeking Wisdom in Every Step
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given to him.” — James 1:5
Life is full of choices—some big and obvious, others subtle but significant. As Christian men, we are called to walk in wisdom. That means we don’t make decisions based purely on logic, emotion, or cultural trends. We go to God’s Word. We pray. We listen. And we seek wise counsel.
Discernment is the ability to see what is right, not just what is easy. It means weighing short-term benefits against long-term obedience. It means filtering decisions through God’s priorities, not just profit or convenience. The mature believer knows there is truth and deception everywhere and men of God are called to know the difference.
We don’t have to guess our way through life. God offers His wisdom generously. He is not silent. He is not distant. But we must ask—and wait for His response.
Before your next major decision—career, investment, move, or relationship—slow down. Ask for wisdom. Open the Scriptures. Invite a trusted mentor to pray with you. Make your choices with heaven in mind. The same is true for the smaller “insignificant” decisions. You may find those have eternal impact if you slow down and let the Holy Spirit guide.
Conclusion: A Life That Shows What We Believe
These five areas—Work, Family, Brotherhood, Health, and Wisdom—are not silos. They’re threads in the same fabric. How we lead in one affects the others. And in each of them, the invitation from God remains the same:
“My son, walk with Me. My way is better.”
As we grow from youthful skepticism to spiritual maturity, the goal is not more control—it’s more surrender. When we know God’s Word, love His presence, and trust His voice, obedience becomes a joy. And that obedience puts our relationship with Jesus on full display.
Let’s be men whose lives are shaped not by headlines or habits—but by the living Word of God.
Let’s choose the better way.