Theology of Work

Definition of Work

• Work is defined as the investment of one's energy in dominion over nature and the service of others.
• Work is a purposeful activity involving mental, emotional or physical energy, or all three, whether remunerated or not.

Theology of Work

• Genesis 1:1 states: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth".
• God was the first worker who created, designed, fashioned, engineered, molded, and crafted the entire universe.
• As stated in Genesis 1:31, God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.
• Paul acknowledges God in Christ as creator in Colossians 1:17: “in Him all things hold together”
• Jesus said God continues to work in John 5:17: “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working”

Work as Privilege

• Work is a privilege given by God.
• Genesis 1:26-27 states: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness... And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
• Only man is capable of work given that we are created in the image of God.
• Humans are rational beings and have the ability to think, that allows for the ability to self-appreciate, and express themselves morally and spiritually.

Work as Divine Command

• Work is a divine command given by God.
• Genesis 1:28, also known as The Creation Mandate, states to “fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over”.
• Stewardship is placed upon humans in active work with God, to help further His purposes and manage earth's resources.
• Genesis 2:15 says God placed man in the Garden of Eden: "to cultivate it and keep it”.
• God planted the garden in genesis 2:8, so man cultivated it in Genesis 2:15, thus establishing man's partnership with God.
• The mandate given to man was to share in God's work and be His coworkers and partners, cooperating with God.
• Exodus 20:9-10 mandates that man should work for six days and rest on the seventh as well as Psalm 104:23 recognizes that man works at his labor until evening.
• Proverbs contains exhortations for diligent work and warnings against idleness, like in Proverbs 6:6: “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise"
• Scripture shows work as a moral duty, in Colossians 3:22-4:1; Ephesians 6:5-9; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9; and 1 Peter 2:18-25.

Sin Distortion

• Prior to the fall, work was enjoyable.
• As a result of man's sin, work was distorted.

Purpose of Work

• To Glorify God
• Colossians 3:17 teaches to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father.
• Colossians 3:23-24 teaches to "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward"
• To Meet Personal and Family Needs
• 2 Thessalonians 3:10b teaches that if anyone is unwilling to work, he should not eat.
• 1 Timothy 5:8 teaches that if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, that person has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
• To Help Others in Need
• Ephesians 4:28 teaches to labor, doing honest work, to share with anyone in need.
• To Benefit Society
• Isiah 42:5-6 teaches of God's calling through righteousness and covenant.
• Work as an opportunity to impact others
• Matthew 5:16 teaches to let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father.
• Work for Personal Fulfillment
• Ecclesiastes 2:24 teaches there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work, since these pleasures are from the hand of God.
• Ecclesiastes 3:13 teaches that people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
• God Gives Abilities, Gifts, and Opportunities
• Workers should never forget that God provides the skill, intelligence, resources, energy, drive, and the opportunities to accomplish something.
• Deuteronomy 8:17-18 teaches to remember that the Lord your God provides the ability to produce wealth, and confirms His covenant in doing so.

The Sin of Laziness and Idleness

• 2 Thessalonians 3:10 teaches that "Anyone who refuses to work should not eat".
• Proverbs 21:25 teaches that "Lazy people's desire for sleep will kill them, because they refuse to work.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 teaches to warn those who are idle and disruptive, and encourage the disheartened, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Diligence and Excellence

• A Christian's work is to be characterized by diligence and excellence.
• In Colossians 3:22, workers are taught to serve honestly and respect the Lord.
• Character is shown in what people do when they think no one else is looking.
• Aiming for Excellence
• Ecclesiastes 9:10 teaches that what you do should be done with all your might.
• Daniel and his friends worked with such excellence that the king exclaimed that they were ten times better than all others, as stated in Daniel 1:19-20.
• Joseph was an excellent worker with a great attitude who did not compromise with immorality causing God to promote him.
• Excellence takes hard work and a excellent attitude is desired (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23-24).

Steve Jobs

• Seven rules of success
• Work with passion
• Believe in team work
• Keep moving
• Embrace an unlimited life, change it, and improve it
• Everything happens for good
• Make a quality product and service
• Value your competition

Contentment and Joy

• Work is redeemed for Christians and changed from toiling to joy.
• When a person turns to Christ, their whole life, including work life becomes sanctified.
• Godly people find contentment in their work instead of searching for wealth.
• Philippians 4:11-12 teaches to be content with what you have.
• 1 Timothy 6:6-8 teaches that true godliness with contentment is great wealth and to be content if you have enough food and clothing.
• Proverbs 23:4 teaches to not wear yourself out trying to get rich.