In my first article, I argued that God created us to work. He put men and women in the Garden to work and keep it (Gen 2:15). Our work was meant to create spaces where life can thrive, reflecting God’s glory as we work for the good of others. My second article then posed the question: if we were created to work, why is it so frustrating? Here, I took us to Genesis 3 and showed how Adam’s rebellion negatively impacted our work. God’s judgment on Adam’s sin (thorns and thistles) frustrates our efforts further. Moreover, because of our sin, our work is often selfish rather than selfless, and the results are devastating. In this final article, I speak to the Christian. There is hope! For those who have been redeemed by the work of Christ and empowered by the Spirit of God, we can rejoice in how the Gospel transforms our Work.
A New Creation: Redeemed for Good Works
After describing the wondrous Gospel work that God has accomplished for us through Jesus, Paul concludes by saying, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). To Titus, Paul states that, “[Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Tit 2:14)” In other words, our salvation is not merely a free ticket to heaven, but is also about being renewed and empowered to live a life of good works! This is nothing short of remarkable!
Transformed by Grace: Renewing the Mind for Work
In Romans, Paul devotes eleven chapters to describing the mercy of God and how Christ’s death has saved us from our sin, from death, and from the wrath of God. He then will write, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:1–2). These words are meant to impact every aspect of the Christian’s life. Because of God’s mercy, our very lives are meant to please God. Negatively, we are no longer to be conformed to this world. In our work, that means we are no longer working for self! Positively, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation must include our daily work and can be summed up by Matthew 22:37–40 (a love for God and love for neighbour).
Serving Our Neighbor: The Outward Focus of Christian Labour
Paul’s epistles are filled with examples of how our work ought to be transformed. Ephesians 4:28 reads, “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.” 1 Thessalonians 4:10–12 says, “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.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 reads, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now, such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” In these verses, we see commands to refrain from stealing and idleness, and instead to be content and work productively so as not to be a burden, empowered to share, and walk properly with outsiders! In other words, conformity to the world is work that is inward-focused, and transformation is work that is others-oriented! Or as Paul states, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’” (Gal 5:13–14).
Glorifying Our God: Working Heartily for Him in Every Task
But Paul does not stop here; Colossians 3:17 reads, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Paul will continue in verse 23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Our work, and our very lives, are to be lived as unto the Lord out of love for him! And in doing this, we once again reflect His image—work restored!
God's "Masks": Divine Purpose in Ordinary Vocations
Martin Luther had a beautiful way to describe the Christian’s work. Speaking of ordinary vocations, Luther said that Christians are the “masks of God”. His point was rather simple: God was hidden behind the carpenter’s rather ordinary, everyday work. It was through the carpenter’s work (and every other good work) that God blesses others.
As Christians, we have been redeemed by a merciful God. In light of this, we are now commanded and empowered to display that love and mercy through our everyday work. In doing so, we reflect our Creator and thus honour and love Him! Tomorrow morning, as you rise to “go to work”, consider carefully how you might do so as unto Him.
