I took advantage of yesterday’s Sabbath rest to reflect on work in an effort to see my own work and calling in a different light. As I reflected on all I have to be thankful for, I was reminded of these seven reasons to celebrate work.
Work Is Ordained by God
The Bible begins with God working in the opening chapters of Genesis, creating the heavens and the earth. Created in his image, we too were created to work.We read in Genesis 2:15 that,
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
As part of our job description God gave us the task of ruling over and taking care of his creation. (Gen. 2:15)
Work Was Not Created as a Punishment for Sin
God created work before the Fall, in part to bring dignity and fulfillment to our lives. In the book of Ecclesiastes we read that a person “Can do nothing better than…find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Eccl. 2:24-25)
Work Glorifies God
God is most glorified when his creation operates as it was designed. When we bring about biblical flourishing through our work in our churches, our families, our communities, or our jobs, we provide the world with a glimpse of the way things are supposed to be. We also bring glory to God.
Work Serves the Common Good
To paraphrase the great reformer Martin Luther, the number one way we can love our neighbor is to do our jobs well. When we serve in our vocations, the work we do combines with the work of others to bring about flourishing in our communities, cities and the world.
Work Calls for Obedience
Work gives us an opportunity to exercise our obedience to Christ in all that we do, consistently working based on his design and desire for our lives. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard than those only working for an earthly boss (Col. 3:22). Those of us who are employers must also treat our employees fairly and with respect, knowing that we too are to hold to a higher standard.
Work Provides a Dual Opportunity for Witness
When we work “as unto the Lord” with excellence, we provide a powerful message, both verbal and nonverbal, to the power of Christ at work within us. While we don’t have to be perfect, when we share the good news of the gospel with our co-workers, it will be taken much more seriously if the effects are visible in our own lives (Matt. 5:16).
Work Is Spiritual in Nature, Regardless of Our Calling
All work that God calls his people to do is important to him and brings honor to those who preform it. Whether you have been call to be a pastor, a CEO, or stay-at-home mom, every kind of job is equally important and honorable before the Lord. In God’s economy there is no separation between sacred and secular work. All of our work should bring glory to God, serve the common good, and further God’s Kingdom. (1 Cor. 10:31).
