As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
Over the past few years, there has been a renewed focus in many churches on the importance of developing and teaching a theology of work. This emphasis on vocation has been long overdue. According to one study, the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work during their lifetime. That’s a mind-boggling amount of time!
“One of Christianity’s greatest strengths is its explanatory power. Christianity can explain the human experience and the human condition far better than any other worldview. …It’s especially true when it comes to explaining human activity and ability, such as artistry, athleticism, and work.” - Breakpoint
“In all labor there is profit… ” (Prov 14:23)
“Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Prov 31:31)
“…let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” (Eph 4:28)
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle…” (1 Thess 5:14)
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thess 3:10)
“Our work… ought to be seen as the service that we are called to do for others, whether we are paid for it or not. This view of work leads to a truer and healthier framework for approaching the various demands of jobs, spouses, children, parents, friends, and neighbors.” - Acton
In my five decades of attending Bible-preaching churches I’ve heard precisely one sermon series on work. It was my own, and was pretty weak.
It’s possible that the topic has been receiving systematic attention all over the place all these years, and I’ve just managed to miss nearly all of it. But I think not.
Discussion