The Gospel Way Catechismنموونە

QUESTION 8: What Is Work?

ANSWER

Work is the gracious expression of creative energy in response to God’s calling. We are to cultivate the world for the glory of God, offering our skills to serve our neighbors.

Common views of work today are often shaped by two competing influences. On the one side, many view work as a necessary evil, something we endure as a means to an end, such as financial stability or personal fulfillment. On the other side, many base their worth and value in their productivity and efficiency in work. Our identity gets enmeshed with whatever we do for a living and how good we are at doing it.

The Bible’s vision of work redirects these influences. First, work is not a necessary evil. It’s true that work can be toilsome and difficult in a fallen world, but from the beginning, it’s clear humans were made for work. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve and then gave instruction about cultivating the earth. In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Thus, work is not a result of brokenness in the world but is part of God’s intended purpose for humanity. When we work, we respond to God’s good calling.

The New Testament goes further, teaching that all our work should be done to glorify God and serve others. “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24 CSB). So work is not merely a way to earn a living but an opportunity to serve and honor God by using our talents and skills to benefit others.

Second, the Bible warns us from basing our identity in our efficiency and productivity in how fruitful we are in our work. God’s blessing comes first. We find our ultimate identity in being beloved by God, and therefore, when we work, we do so from a position of blessing (God blessed Adam and Eve before he gave them his command), not for a blessing. We have worth and value no matter what our work status is (Proverbs 12:11).

Cultivating the world for God’s glory is rooted in the biblical concept of stewardship. God has entrusted us with the care of his creation, and we are to use our work to honor him and benefit others. Work is creative. We reflect God whenever we use our talents, skills, and resources to bring out the potential of creation and make the world a better place.

What’s more, all work has dignity and value in God’s eyes. Whether we are engaged in paid employment or unpaid work, whether we are professionals or laborers, whether we are working in the home or outside of it, our work is an opportunity to glorify God and serve others.

According to Scripture, work is not just a way to earn a living or achieve personal fulfillment but an opportunity to serve others and glorify God. We use our skills and resources to benefit our neighbors. In contrast to ways of thinking about work that prioritize individualism and self-interest, Christianity envisions work as a way of reflecting God and serving our neighbors.

Reflection Questions

Are you more prone to see work as a necessary evil or to base your identity in your work? Reflect on whether you see your work as a gift and calling from God or merely as a means to an end, or the source of your worth and value.

How can you cultivate your work environment to reflect God’s glory and serve your neighbors? Think about practical steps to use your skills and resources to benefit others. Reflect on how you can promote justice, mercy, and compassion in your work, and how you can make something in the world in the sphere God has called you.