In this episode, Tom Nelson discusses a sermon he gave in the book of Ecclesiastes— touching on a question many people feel deeply—is work meaningless? Ecclesiastes is written in the voice of the critic, punching holes through easy answers for life. Tom’s sermon addresses the angst that many people feel when they think about their work, and how God can reframe our labor even when it feels as fleeting as smoke.

Matt Rusten serves as the president of Made to Flourish. Previously, Matt pastored at churches in Kansas City, and Madison, Wisconsin. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Doctor of Ministry in Faith, Work, Economics, and Vocation at Fuller Theological Seminary. Matt’s book about pastoring with congregants’ work in view releases from InterVarsity Press in Spring 2026.

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***Get Free Books*** Many Christians say their churches don’t prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of daily work. We call this the Sunday to Monday gap — a disconnect that can cloud our sense of God’s purpose in the world and our place in it. To help church leaders bridge that gap, we’re offering a free box with practical books, including The Flourishing Pastor by Tom Nelson, and the latest issue of Common Good magazine. Get yours at madetoflourish.org/box.