THE THEOLOGY OF WORK IN SCRIPTURE
The Bible provides a rich tapestry of teachings on the nature, purpose, and value of work. From the creation account to the apostolic letters, Scripture offers insights into God's perspective on labor, rest, and vocation. This exploration of the theology of work in Scripture reveals divine principles that can guide our understanding of work's role in human life and spiritual development.
Work in Creation: The Divine Model
The concept of work is introduced at the very beginning of Scripture, with God Himself as the first worker:
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (Genesis 2:2, KJV)
This establishes work as inherently good and part of the divine order. God then assigns work to humanity:
And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. (Genesis 2:15, KJV)
The Fall and the Curse: Work Becomes Toil
After the Fall, work takes on a new, more challenging aspect:
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Genesis 3:19, KJV)
This curse introduces difficulty and frustration into work, yet does not negate its fundamental value.
The Dignity of Labor in Wisdom Literature
The book of Proverbs consistently upholds the value of diligent work:
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11, KJV)
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. (Proverbs 12:24, KJV)
Work and Rest: The Sabbath Principle
God's command for Sabbath rest establishes a rhythm of work and rest:
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: (Exodus 20:9-10, KJV)
Work as Worship and Service
The New Testament elevates work to an act of worship and service to God:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24, KJV)
The Apostolic Example: Working to Support Ministry
Paul sets an example of working to support oneself in ministry:
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:9, KJV)
Work Ethic and Christian Witness
Paul instructs believers to work diligently as a testimony:
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, KJV)
Warning Against Idleness
Scripture strongly cautions against laziness and idleness:
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10, KJV)
Work in the Kingdom Perspective
Jesus teaches about the eternal significance of earthly labor:
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (John 6:27, KJV)
Conclusion: A Holistic View of Work
The biblical theology of work presents a nuanced and holistic view:
- Work is part of God's original design for humanity, reflecting His own nature as Creator.
- While tainted by the Fall, work remains a means of fulfilling our created purpose.
- Diligence in work is commended and laziness is condemned.
- Work should be balanced with rest, following the Sabbath principle.
- All work can be an act of worship and service to God.
- Work has both temporal and eternal significance in God's kingdom.
This biblical perspective challenges us to view our daily labor, whatever its nature, as an opportunity for faithful stewardship, personal growth, and glorifying God. It calls us to excellence in our endeavors, integrity in our conduct, and a recognition of the dignity inherent in all forms of honest work.
Written by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com) and placed in public trust at ultrafree.org. KJV is quoted. Feel free to share, free of charge.