In this post I want to spend a little time reflecting on what the Bible teaches about work. I haven’t finished my thinking on this subject. These are not necessarily my final thoughts, but something of my process of thinking about work – so your input is welcome.
I used to loosely hold the view that the primary purpose for work was to provide money for full-time gospel work. This view is pretty prominent in the circles I move in. But it is a view that makes me uncomfortable for a few reasons. Firstly, It doesn’t seem to reflect the thrust of the scriptures’ teaching about work. Secondly, it risks as a corollary, rebuilding the sacred/secular divide – something the reformers were opposed to in no uncertain terms.
That being said, I want to agree wholeheartedly that the scriptures encourage us to use our income for the Lord’s purposes. But I’m not convinced it must follow that ‘giving to gospel work’ is the sole, or even the primary purpose of work. So what do the Scriptures teach us about work? Four points is far from an exhaustive treatment, but it’s a start.
1. Work is part of the creation mandate. The man is placed by God into the garden to work it and watch over it (Gen 2:15). Under God, he is to rule the earth, subdue it. The whole world is not like the garden – it needs subduing (1:28). The man’s task, with the woman’s help, is to extend the boundaries of Eden.
2. Work is cursed. As a result of the fall, God curses the ground, meaning that only by painful toil will it now produce anything for him. But we must be careful to not equate cursed with pointless. I am concerned that sometimes believers have taken this verse, along with texts like 1 Cor 15:58 (your labour in the Lord is not in vain) to argue that ‘secular’ work is now pointless in the face of gospel work. I want to question that argument. Childbirth was also cursed at the fall, but we still hold that it brings great blessing. It may be cursed, but it is far from pointless.
3. Work can bring a blessing of satisfaction. Just read the wisdom literature. Ecclesiastes 5:18 captures this: Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. I think this is what I experienced over summer.
4. New testament believers are exhorted to work, as part of their regenerated lives. They are not to be lazy, but to work with their hands. Ephesians 4 and 1 Thess 4 both encourage work, so that believers have something to share, and as part of a ‘quiet life’.
Clearly, there is much more that could be said. Your comments are welcome.
*Photo is from my other ‘work’. It’s not too late to get your coffee orders in for tonights roast.
As secular as he is in his thinking, I think Alain de Botton’s lecture on the Pleasure and Sorrows of Work which I went to earlier in the year (and Ali blogged about) was really helpful.
You should have a listen to a similar lecture here: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/fora/stories/2009/04/29/2556162.htm
The thing I remember him saying that rang very true, and would be even more significant if he’d pointed to God’s mandate for creation, was that the most satisfying work resembles gardening or washing up. He said whatever you do, make it like those activities – if you’re a boss, make your workers satisfied by giving them chaos to order.
Donkeys can be prophets sometimes
You referred loosely to the reformer’s position on work, and giving to gospel work – what do you make of the idea that secular work is actually “gospel” work in that it’s done for God’s glory?
I’d say that scripture teaches us that work is important. We’re not to be layabouts. But it teaches us that eternal treasures are the goal – which should probably temper any understanding of the purpose of work.
Useful thoughts though. Thanks.
Thanks for this post Sam. I have a love/hate relationship with work at the moment, and I find your thoughts really helpful in motivating me to do my job with the right heart and motives.
Thanks, Sam.
I reckon this sort of thinking is what college is all about.