With massive rising unemployment in our country as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, it is worth reflecting on our theology of work. What is so important about work? Why is unemployment a bad thing? It is not just that by working we earn money to pay for the things we need and want; it is that work is an integral part of our creation in the image of God, and something to which we are called. Thus, we should pursue excellence and contentment. We can discuss the Christian view of work by following the three great categories of biblical theology: Creation, Fall, and Redemption.
Work begins in Scripture with God’s work of creation. The emphasis in Genesis 1 is on God being in total control: unlike Babylonian creation myths, there is no struggle, but God merely speaks the universe into existence. It is also full of joy and delight as God looks at his handiwork and pronounces it “good”. And yet this is is still called work: “on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done” (Genesis 2:2).
Although God’s work is unique, it remains a model for human work, for in Genesis 1:27 we are told that God created mankind (both male and female) in his image. The following verse explains what this involves: God commands them to rule the earth on his behalf. Not only are people to “have dominion over” the animals, but they are also to “subdue” the earth, and bring it under control. This involves work. Genesis 2 provides a specific illustration of this. The man is placed in the garden to “work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Work is thus instituted before the Fall. It is part of what it means to be human. Work is not something one does to live, but what one lives to do.
There are a number of implications of this:
As far as possible, we should engage in work most suited to the way God has made us. This means discerning one’s talents, and choosing a suitable occupation based on what one is able to do best.
As far as possible, we should engage in work that is worth doing.
Since God is the rightful owner of human work, Christians should aim for excellence in their work.
The doctrine of the Fall is also of relevance in the formulation of a Christian work ethic, since in Genesis 3:17-19 the Fall is explicitly stated as affecting man’s work. Work now becomes painful, the ground is cursed for man’s sake, and instead of being a gardener, Adam becomes a farmer. It is because of the Fall that we need a work ethic: work has become subject to the abuses of idleness on the one hand, and overwork on the other. We need to avoid being lazy, as well as being workaholics.
Thirdly, the doctrine of Redemption is the final component in building a Christian work ethic. This impacts the Christian in terms of motivation – we are working together with God, serving in his Kingdom – but we can particularly consider the concept of being called. The call of God to a particular occupation (from which we get the word vocation) is a reflection of the gospel call. Just as we are called to live godly lives, so God calls us to serve him in particular settings.
This means we should be content and patient in our work: it is part of the redemption that Christian vocation brings to the drudgery of work. It should lead to vocational loyalty: people change careers more now than ever before, but the idea of a call means that our work is more than just a job. We ought not to change occupations lightly: “Each one should remain in the calling in which he was called” (1 Corinthians 7:20).