You might be tempted to think that a blog about Christ-Centered Slow Living would be writing articles about relaxation and anti-work but you would be wrong. Work is a blessing, it gives us purpose and is commanded by God. The culture at large is currently obsessed with working as little as possible and the compulsive pursuit of retirement. I’m here to set the record straight about the beauty of work.
Christ-Centered Slow Living is never about laziness. There is a growing ideology called the antiwork movement that seeks to question and critique the role of work in our lives, arguing that most modern work is unnecessary and unfulfilling. Antiwork often advocates for labor rights and a shift toward voluntary work. This ideology is in direct opposition to the beauty of work described over and over again in Scripture.
When discussing the subject we must also discuss the principle of rest. Specifically Sabbath rest. It is important to acknowledge what God has to say on the topic of both rest and work. Let’s simplify, God worked six days and He completely and fully rested on one day (Exodus 34:21). We are made in the image of God and commanded to do the same, the Sabbath is a holy day.
The Beauty of Work
- You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
- Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalms 90:17
- A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4
- In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23
- 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
- Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Ephesians 4:28
- But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8
Avodah – עבודה – Work – Worship – Serve
The Hebrew word Avodah means both “work”, “worship”, and “serve”. This is magnificent! The word Avodah is used throughout the Old Testament. I must admit that we lose so much in our English translations. (As a side note, it is worthwhile taking a Biblical Hebrew class!) Avodah reflects the view of the Early Church believers who understood that work is simply one more form of worship in daily life.
We all can be guilty of only thinking about the necessity of work instead of also contemplating the creativity of work. When we combine these two areas, that is where beauty truly lies. Work and beauty are gifts from God. His capacity to create settles deep in our souls and allows us to be productive creators with and alongside him. Just pause for a moment and ask God to fill your heart with all the possibilities of how you can personally glorify God through work.
When we biblically understand God’s view of work, we are truly able to explore the fullness and joy available to us as we engage in the work that our Father has for us every day. There is no hierarchy of work and all work is of equal importance in the kingdom of God.
Lastly, work is made beautiful through our loving actions, serving others, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We must be careful to understand and know the source of our ability. If we proceed in our own strength, our pursuit leads to drudergy and legalism. When we walk, in the love shown in the gospel and powered by God alone, we are free!
Go Deeper
Full-Time Work and the Meaning of Life
YOUR TURN…
What is your definition of work?
Peacefully Yours,
Janelle
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