Issue 925 – Work – December 2, 2022

As I wrote Gleanings this morning, I found my thoughts expanding outwards in an incredible range of directions. The topic is work, which had me consider both vocational and volunteer efforts, the heart for and against volunteering, the so-called “Protestant work ethic,” and more.

By necessity, I focused on a tiny part of the topic, leaving more unsaid than explored. Our attitude towards work says a lot about what we value and what the idols in our life are.

Faith, work and economics intersect in a profound number of ways. Enough of the prologue; onto this morning’s topic…

Many years ago, my family was heavily involved in sled dog racing; we sometimes kept over 100 dogs and pups. That is a massive commitment in terms of time, resources and lifestyle choices.

Today’s photo was taken in the mid-1970s showing Kathy and one of her first times driving a seven-dog team. The dogs are taking a well-deserved break.

Over the years, some people have commented that it was cruel “to make those dogs work.” They have never been near a sled dog kennel. Like border collies, sled dogs are bred to work; it is their greatest joy in life.

When a team is taken out for a run, the rest of the kennel makes it abundantly clear that they want to be the ones going. None wants to be left behind; all want to be doing the work.

Our God is at work every moment of every day. We are created in His image, so it follows that part of our lives should be devoted to working.

God created everything with a purpose in mind, a task to complete in the cycle of things. Even people were made to work.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.  Genesis 2:15

In our society today, “work” is often seen as a negative thing. That negative image is primarily due to a misunderstanding of the value of work. Work is far more than something that must be endured for a paycheque.

Paul writes:

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Part of our witness is the way we live and work. Our work isn’t to earn favour with God; instead, it is to show Him at work in our lives.

The nature of work varies for all of us. It can vary with the season in life. A physically demanding job is better suited to someone young than someone frail and elderly. Everyone has something to contribute to the whole.

Some people are doctors, and others are tradespeople. One is not better than the other, except by artificial societal standards. I want a medical specialist when my health needs attention, but a mechanic when my car doesn’t run. A trained preacher can instruct me from the Word, and the greeter at the church door can make me feel part of the community and welcomed. A caring word and companionship of a volunteer can make a world of difference in the life of a shut-in.

Admittedly, some work can seem a form of drudgery at times. Yet, even in a job we hate, we can find satisfaction. We are called to do our best, even if our bosses or work environments are less than ideal.

Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Colossians 3:22

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 1 Peter 2:18-19

We work because it is our nature and brings glory to God.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

May you find joy and satisfaction in whatever work you do. May the Lord be glorified by how you handle your job, paid or unpaid.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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