Work. Why? (2)

Dorothy Sayers sums up what the Bible says about the meaning of work in a great way. After World War II, Dorothy wrote that work should be the 'expression of man's creative energy in the service of society.' God says in Genesis 1:26-28 that we're to 'rule' over the earth, or exercise 'dominion'. Maybe those words sound a bit like 'dominating' or 'bossing around'. But the truth behind them that Dorothy Sayers saw is this: we're to plant and build and write and organise and heal and invent ways that bless people and cause God's Kingdom on earth to flourish.

That's a stunning call. Not only is it how Jesus lived his life, it's also among the first things God ever told humans to do. As God's image-bearers in his world, we carry on God's pattern of work - making everything 'good' in the eyes of God, as we read in the creation story in Genesis.

'So,' pastor Timothy Keller says, 'whether splicing a gene or doing brain surgery or collecting the rubbish or painting a picture, our work develops, maintains or repairs the fabric of the world. In this way, we connect our work to God's work.' That's the reason for work.



So what now? Not sure what career is for you yet? Looking for a new career? Start with a little self-analysis: ask a few trusted friends to give you an outside opinion on your talents, then link that up with your passions. Ask God to start showing you what work you could do, in his name.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.' Colossians 3:17 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

1 Sam 14-15, Matt 22:34-46, Ps 59:9-17, Pro 16:23-26