Work is a fundamental part of the human experience. From the very beginning, God designed mankind to work and be productive (Genesis 1:28). The Bible has a lot to say about the theology of work – what it is, why we do it, and how we should approach it. Here is an overview of the key biblical principles regarding work:
Work is Part of God’s Original Design
Work was part of God’s original creation design and mandate for humanity. Before the fall into sin, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Work was not a result of sin or punishment, but rather a good gift from God for human flourishing and partnership with Him in creation.
Work Reflects God’s Image in Us
The nature of work reflects something of the image and character of God. God is presented in Scripture as a worker – He worked for 6 days in creation (Genesis 1), He sustains the universe daily by His power (Hebrews 1:3), Jesus did the work of redemption on our behalf (John 19:30). When we work diligently, creatively, faithfully, we reflect His image imprinted on us (Genesis 1:27).
Work Is for God’s Glory
The ultimate purpose and motivation of work should be for God’s glory. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our work can glorify God when done with excellence, honesty, diligence, and an awareness that we are working as unto the Lord not merely men (Colossians 3:23).
Work Is God’s Provision for Our Needs
God designed work to be the primary means of provision for our needs and the needs of others. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Through work, God provides for us.
Work Is a Form of Worship
Our daily labors can be an act of worship offered to God. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). We can honor God through our work ethic, service, integrity, and stewardship of the gifts He has given us. Excellence in our day to day responsibilities is an offering of worship to God.
God Calls Us to Rest from Work
While God established the goodness and purpose of work, He also commanded rest from labor. God instituted a weekly Sabbath day of rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). We need physical, mental, and spiritual rest from work. Times of rest help us remember that God is Lord of the universe and our work.
All Honest Work Has Dignity
There is no sacred versus secular divide when it comes to work. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). All lawful work has dignity as it is done to the Lord to provide for our needs and serve others. There are no insignificant jobs in God’s economy.
Work Should Be Done with Excellence
Mediocrity has no place in the biblical theology of work. We are called to work with all diligence “as for the Lord and not for man” (Colossians 3:23). God gave Adam work before the fall, so we should pursue excellence as part of being made in His image and for His glory.
Unethical Behavior Has No Place in Work
While we should pursue excellence in skills, the Bible also calls us to moral excellence. Unethical business practices for personal gain or immoral work has no place for the believer. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9).
Work Should Benefit Others
Work is not just for us but for the common good. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). God is generous, so our work should cause us to create value for community and live generously with what we earn. Self-centered work only for personal gain is unbiblical.
Work Gives a Sense of Purpose
Meaningful work provides a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and place in the world. “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). We reflect God’s image in meaningful work. Idleness and laziness are discouraged because they lead to ruin and lack of purpose.
Our Work Has Eternal Value
When done to God’s glory, even everyday work gains eternal value. “Only one life,’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” Our work has significance beyond this life when motivated by honoring Him.
Work Can Be an Act of Service
Work can become a means of serving God and others when done with the right heart motive. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men” (Ephesians 6:7). Jesus modeled servant leadership in His work, as should we.
There is Dignity in All Work
From day laborers to executives, all honest work has dignity before God. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23). Scripture praises the merits of diligent work in any lawful occupation.
We Should Use Our Gifts in Work
Our unique gifts and talents should be utilized for God’s glory in our work. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Using our gifts in work is an act of stewardship.
Work Requires Dependence on God
We need God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance to succeed in work. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Prayer for God’s blessing and discernment is crucial, along with dependence on the Holy Spirit.
There Will Be Toil in Work
While work is a gift from God, since the fall it also contains toil, frustration, exhaustion, and difficulty as part of the curse (Genesis 3:17-19). We live in a fallen world, so work will be hard. But God promises to be with us even in the daily grind.
Work Has Limits
There are God-given limits to our work capacity. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:9-10). Rest and family are also vital. Workaholism is discouraged. God cares about boundaries.
Retirement Can Be an Opportunity for Service
Retirement should not mean idleness but rather shifting to different kinds of work and service for God’s kingdom. Many continue to work voluntarily in retirement. This season can provide more opportunities for ministry.
Work Requires Faithfulness
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10). God calls us to be faithful day in and day out in our work, whether inspections or promotions. Consistency reflects God’s character.
Leaders Should Serve through Work
Those in authority should adopt a servant leadership model in their work like Jesus did. “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Leadership provides opportunities to steward influence and support others in their work.
God Will Judge Our Work
We will give an account to God for the work and business ethics demonstrated in our vocations. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
Work Has Contentment as Its Reward
Finding our identity and reward primarily in God through our work leads to contentment. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Worldly success alone doesn’t satisfy compared with working humbly and faithfully for the Lord.
Difficulties in Work Refine Our Faith
Challenges at work develop our perseverance and trust in God. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-4). Hardships in work can purify our motives.
In summary, the biblical theology of work encompasses its origins before the fall, its inherent dignity and purpose, its eternal value, and the principles for ethical integrity that should guide all believers in their vocations. When we understand the theology of work presented in Scripture, we can approach our jobs with fresh motivation and calling.