It seems that the understanding of work is in a paradigm-shifting transition. Jobs are being cut by the thousands, and human “usefulness” in light of technological advances (or mutations) is somehow being questioned. Despite work being misused through history and its ties to human exploitation, Scripture tells us that doing good work (of many kinds) is an important part of our calling on earth as human beings (eg: Genesis 2:15; 3:23, Matthew 28:19, Ephesians 2:10). Work was intended to be a good thing, a God-given mantle of purpose that contributes to our health and the health of the earth.
Work is not meant to be done just for the sake of working, however; our work is meant to be done with a reliance on God’s Presence. Psalm 105 says, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4). The Lord’s Presence provides us with strength to do the work we are called to do. His Presence makes work, and the moment-by-moment experience of our lives, more enjoyably worship-filled and more likely to be a blessing to others.
There was a point in my life when my desire to work seemed to have been stolen. I spent a long time doing the wrong type of work; work that didn’t align with my purpose. Work isn’t bad or evil in and of itself, but it can be used by the enemy to kill, steal, and destroy us and our lives if we aren’t aligned with the work God has for us or open to receive the strength He wants to give us for accomplishing that work. Lacking a desire to work is a sure sign that something is wrong; Proverbs says, “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4). As an aside, being “rich” or wealthy in the context of Proverbs 10:4 means that there was enough to eat, and a place to live securely; not to be misunderstood with a modern Western world reading of the word “rich.” All rooted in the fear of God, and honoring relationship with Him, God gives us vitality and energy (“diligence”) to provide for our material needs. Fearing God gives us the capacity to work. When we fear God, we no longer have any need to fear that our livelihoods will be killed, stolen, or destroyed.
All believers are called to do eternal work. Good, eternal work comes out of genuine faith and earnest obedience to Jesus. It is often work that has glorious implications for the eternal human soul. This work can be in many forms, including speaking Truth in love, showing kindness, worshipping God, and preaching and teaching Scripture. We are promised in Scripture that good, eternal work is rewarded by God (eg: Job 34:11, Psalm 28:4, Jeremiah 31:16).
We are not to rely on our own capacity to accomplish eternal work; we must seek God’s help. “Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes” (Psalm 60:11-12; Psalm 108:12-13). It is truly amazing how God makes the privilege of eternal work possible and available to us human beings, as we look to Him for help through it all.
Paul is a great example of someone who dedicated himself to doing eternal work. He wrote, “I urge you, then, be imitators of me” (1 Corinthians 4:16). Paul was a tentmaker, and worked an honest trade to support himself and his ministry (Acts 18:3). God empowered Paul to work for his living even during his travels in ministry. Pauls’ faithfulness and humility are to be imitated by us, as characteristics empowered by the Holy Spirit in him, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). God’s kingdom is eternal. Paul was given amazing power from the Holy Spirit to minister and preach the Gospel in conditions many of us can’t even begin to understand. As we too are given power from the same Holy Spirit, may we have confidence that God will give us the industriousness and vitality to do the good, eternal work God has for us too!
In a discussion of work I feel it is important to state that we are far more valuable than the work that we do, and our core identity is not found in our work; our True identity is in Jesus alone. Work may indeed be part of how we identify ourselves to others in this life, but who we are as living souls has nothing to do with us; it has everything to do with what Jesus did for us. Scripture tells us that we are holy and precious because God’s Spirit dwells in us: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
Work and life seem to have a mysteriously close connection. To stop working often means to stop living. God made us to enjoy relationship and life, and for doing good work. God empowers us to accomplish purposed work that lasts throughout all of eternity in close partnership with Him and His Presence. God Himself is always working, and He longs to work with us! When we do good work, we fulfill our Father’s purpose for us, and it brings more life and blessing.
May we all find the good work God has called us to, worshiping, witnessing, and pointing others to Jesus, and may the work of our hands bless the Lord! Amen.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy‘” (Jeremiah 31:16).
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being” (Psalm 104:33).
“each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done” (1 Corinthians 3:13).
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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