The Sacred Call to Work: What the Bible Teaches About Labor

“Unprecedented numbers of Americans are walking away from their jobs, rethinking their routines and breaking away from traditional expectations,” wrote author and researcher Bruce Feiler in “The New Rules of Success in a Post-Career World.”

Feiler crisscrossed the country examining Americans’ shifting attitudes toward work. He collected 400 real-life stories in all 50 states. His research included everyone from high-paying CEO’s, to school teachers, factory workers, and independent business owners.

Here’s what Feiler discovered: “Today’s workers are increasingly rejecting the script that has long defined the American Dream. They rebuff the notion that each of us must follow a linear career—lock into a dream early, always climb higher, never stop until you reach the top.”

Feiler further concluded that what workers are looking for is purpose, meaning, and significance to their work. While some workers are still seeking higher pay or perceived social status, many are looking for self-expression, personal fulfillment, and an opportunity to serve.

While searching for a better or more fulfilling job has merit, maybe people are looking in the wrong place. Perhaps a shift in purpose, values, and focus is needed. For Bible-Believers, work is viewed from a different perspective than the world sees it.

#1 Work was designed by God in the beginning.

God’s command to Adam in the garden of Eden was “to work it and keep it” (Gen. 2:15). Some see work as part of “the curse.” But this was before sin entered the world. Work provides people with purpose. It serves as a means to make a contribution. It offers an outlet for one’s skill and ability.

#2 Work serves as a means to provide for yourself and your family.

Paul commanded Christians to work. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, he exhorted, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Laziness was not condoned, but rather condemned. Working Christians honor God as they support themselves, provide for their families, and live productive lives.

The seriousness of failing to work is further underscored in 1 Timothy 5:8. “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.”

#3 Working serves as an opportunity to help others.

Honest labor not only glorifies God but also allows one to help the less fortunate, the needy, and those who’ve suffered financial reversals. The apostle admonished, “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” (Eph. 3:28).

Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that by working hard, he was able to “help the weak” and to live by Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Work enables generosity. By earning an honest living, believers can support the church’s mission, care for the poor, and meet the needs of their neighbors.

#4 Working provides a platform for authentic Christian testimony.

In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul urged Christians, “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.”

Regardless of your profession, occupation, or business, you have an opportunity to glorify God as you work with excellence, cheerfully serve others, exhibit the spirit of Jesus, and perform with honor and honesty. This is true whether you’re a plumber or professor, a painter or a pilot, a physician or a photographer, a farmer or a financial analyst.

Additionally, John W. Gardner’s observation in his book, Excellence, is worth noting.

“The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity, and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity, will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.”

So, on this Labor Day, as we pause from our regular routines, let’s respect the virtue of work. However, remember that our work transcends a paycheck, position, or profession. Work honors God. Blesses others. It exemplifies our faithful stewardship to the world.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman