On
Monday morning, "Chris" does what he does every Monday
morning. He goes to work. On this Monday, Chris lacks enthusiasm
for his work (partly because of what happened on Friday).
?
Why do we work? What is the purpose? What are your motivations?
How do you know that your pursuits are worth the effort?
The Origin of Work
*
The biblical teaching concerning "work" is
founded in page one of the Bible, which starts, "In the
beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (1:1).
Chapter 1 of Genesis records God's "work" in creating
the universe. Part of God's creative work included the first
human beings (1:26-27). "God saw all that he had made,
and it was very good" (1:31).
*
The responsibilities of the first humans included reproduction,
inhabitation of the earth, and exercise of dominion over the
earth (Genesis 1:27-28). God "took the man and put him
in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it"
(2:8, 15). Humans were given the responsibility of managing
and using the resources of the earth to accomplish God's good
purposes. This is called "stewardship" and that
is the human role in God's creation.
Work
After the Fall
*
As a result of man's rebellion against God, the harmonious
relationship between God and human beings is broken (Genesis
3). "The Fall" also disturbs relationships between
human beings, and between human beings and the creation in
general. Thus man's work becomes more difficult and painful
(3:17-20). This does not mean that work is bad (work is part
of God's very good creation!), but the conditions and attitudes
of work are adversely affected.
The
Purpose of Work
?
Considering both human experience and the Bible's teaching
concerning our special role in God's creation, what would
you say are the purposes of our work (whether paid occupations,
volunteer efforts, study/research, etc.)? What negative attitudes
corrupt our motivations?
_____________________________________
"If
a man will not work, he shall not eat" (2 Thessalonians
3:10b, NIV).
_____________________________________
"A
man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction
in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God"
(Ecclesiastes 2:24, NIV). "So I saw there is nothing better
for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot"
(Ecclesiastes 3:22a, NIV).
_____________________________________
"He
who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing
something useful with his own hands, that he may have something
to share with those in need" (Ephesians 4:28, NIV).
_____________________________________
"…
whatever you do, do it for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians
10:31).
Others?
The Limits of Work
*
After God created the heavens and the earth, he "rested
from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made
it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating
he had done" (Genesis 2:2-3). This was the basis given
for the "Sabbath day" (Exodus 20:8-11). In the Old
Testament, God's people were commanded to observe the weekly
Sabbath - a day for rest and worship (Isaiah 58:13-14). The
Sabbath is a reminder that work is not the sum and purpose
of human life. True meaning, purpose, and fulfillment are
found only in relationship with God.
God's
Work
*
Though God finished making the universe long ago, He is still
working. Jesus said, "My Father is always at work to
this very day, and I, too am working" (John 5:17). God's
continuing work is called "providence," which refers
to His guidance and care over His creation. In particular,
God's present work includes his "redemptive work"
necessary to restore the harmonious order and relationships
broken in the Fall. When Jesus said, "My food is to do
the will of him who sent me and to finish his work" (John
4:34), he was referring primarily to God's redemptive work.
Our Work
?
As stewards of God's creation, our work is related to God's
providential work. As redeemed creatures (if we are Christians),
we have a role in God's redemptive work. Jesus said, "Do
not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to
eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you" (John
6:27). In what specific ways can we be sure that we are truly
coworkers with God?
*
Acknowledge that the "boss" is ___________________.
(Colossians 3:23-24)
*
Be sensitive to how God is working.
Jesus said, "As long as it is day, we must do the work
of him who sent me." (John 9:4)
*
Consider the spiritual and eternal. (John 6:27)
*
Devote yourself to God's work, including communication of
the __________________.
"Always
give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know
your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Other?
The
Attitude of Work
?
Read Colossians 3:1-2, 15-17, 23-24. What attitude should the
Christian have in his/her work? Why might it be difficult to
have the right attitude? What things can the Christian do to
maintain the right attitude?
Chris is familiar with the above "theology of work".
He attempts to apply that theology by doing the following:
*
On his drive to work, he prays something like this: "Lord,
I thank you for the opportunity and ability to work. Help
me to do my work with integrity and excellence. I want my
work to bring glory and honor to you. Help me to be sensitive
to the ways you are working in my workplace, and use me to
be a blessing to others."
*
If he lacks a good attitude about work (like this Monday),
he confesses it to God, and asks God to help him improve his
attitude.
*
In his office, he has a Christian calendar and pictures with
Bible verses hanging on the wall, which remind him of God's
presence. He keeps a Bible and devotional book in his drawer,
which he can look at during lunch or other breaks.
*
He attempts to stay mindful of God's presence and care through
regular "conversation with God" through the day
(short silent prayers of praise, thanksgiving and petition).
*
He attempts to keep in mind that he is working for God, not
just people, which helps when people are unreasonable or unkind.
As a child of God, he realizes that he represents God's family.
Others are watching, so he attempts to be a good representative,
by God's grace.
*
He desires to be "salt and light" in the workplace
(Matthew 5:13-16). He attempts to do what is right (even if
it conflicts with the workplace culture), and he attempts
to be sensitive to opportunities to share God's truth with
others (see footnote 7 on the previous page).
Reflection/Application
>
How would you describe your purpose in life? Is it primarily
determined by your work or occupation? What brings you the
greatest satisfaction and fulfillment? The Bible teaches that
ultimate fulfillment is not found in human effort and achievement
(even if such effort results in much good). Ultimate fulfillment
is found in relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
And the most fulfilling work is related to the work of God.
>As
a Christian, what is your attitude toward work? Do you separate
your work from your service to God? The Bible says, "Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the
Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23). Re-read this handout
and the related Bible verses, and commit to making your work
part of your service to God (without allowing your work to
become a god). Pray for wisdom in how to do God's work in
the workplace.
