The Purpose of Work

I suppose it’s ironic that I’m writing about work while enjoying an extended Hawaiian vacation.

However, as I noticed several businesses in Kaunakakai with signs saying they would be closed on Labor Day, the thought occurred to me–I hope some people are working. We are leaving Moloka‘i today and flying to Kauai. I need a ticket agent, a baggage handler, and especially a pilot.

When we arrive in Kauai I want to rent a car, check into a hotel, and eat at a restaurant. All of this requires people working. The purpose of work issues itself in service to others. To the functioning of a well-ordered society. To meeting important needs.

Work allows us to provide the necessities of life for our families–food, clothing and shelter. The Bible commands us to work. The refusal of an able-bodied individual who can work, but won’t work is condemned. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “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.”

Work, however, goes beyond the mere physical and/or mental labor necessary to earn a paycheck. There is an intrinsic value to work that provides fulfillment, meaning, and self worth. One writer observed that our employment “enables the pursuit of important goals, fosters generativity, facilitates positive achievement-related feelings, and provides structure and coherence to one’s life.”

This strikes a nerve personally. Although I’ve been on a blogging break, I soon missed my morning routine of writing. Most mornings I wake up early and quietly slip out the room so as not to disturb Norma Jean. Wait in the lobby of the hotel for coffee and check my iPhone for messages, emails and news from the mainland.

Although we’re enjoying the leisure time, seeing new sights, and marveling at the beauty of God’s creation, I miss writing, blogging, and preparing sermons, classes and powerpoints. I suppose some readers may have assumed that I’ve retired from preaching. Not really. Just full time located church work. Regardless of one’s job, profession or occupation, we all need the challenge, stimulus, and fulfillment that meaningful, purposeful labor offers.

The purpose of work points beyond one’s self. To making a difference in life. To adding value to a worthy endeavor. To serving other’s needs. This occurs not only through the work itself, but also the money earned. Life is not just about getting, it’s more about giving. The Bible says we must work, doing something useful, so that we “have something to share with those in need” (Eph. 4:28).

The apostle Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Ax. 20:35). Christianity is benevolent by its very nature. Jesus set the bar high. And first century Christians serve as our example for caring, sharing and helping others in need (Ax. 2:45; 4:34-37; 11:29). In fact, that extends even beyond fellow Believers, to all people. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).

Discretionary income earned through our years of work allows us to do more than retire, take vacations and enjoy creature comforts. It provides the opportunity to give to our local church, support gospel preaching in foreign fields, contribute to worthy charities, help the less fortunate, do volunteer work, and support Christian education.

So, on this Labor Day, celebrate the opportunity to work. And remember the purpose of work is found in a life of purpose.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman