Greetings,
Who would have ever thought that the subject of work would become a controversial one? Surely work is as basic to human existence as eating and sleeping? Well, it depends on what you mean by work.
Today if you mention the word, most will assume you are referring to what you do to earn an income. Even in this context, though, the meaning of “work” is still quite fluid. Take this quote for example: “At no previous time in our history have so many and such different generations with such diversity been asked to work together shoulder to shoulder, side by side, cubicle to cubicle.” (Generations at Work, pg. 10) This is often referenced in regard to intergenerational conflict as different values and views come together in the work place. As the current President of the U.S. undertakes to try and hold jobs here in this country, he has been met with the reality that many jobs will be lost to automation even if the companies remain. Work in relation to employment is undergoing huge changes and challenges. This was predicted in 1995 by author Jeremy Rifkin in his book, The Death of Work.
However, work in relation to man’s existence is addressed in God’s Word. What does God want His people to understand about work? The Apostle Paul obviously thought that our attitude toward work was an integral aspect of godly living. “But we urge you brethren, that you increase more and more; that you aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you… If anyone will not work, neither should he eat” (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:10). While this can mean toil and labor as in a job, according to the context Paul was linking it also to spiritual growth and development. To each of the seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three, Christ declared that He knew their works – ergon – toil, labor and in each case this relates to their spiritual works. We see this clearly in the case of Thyatira. “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first” (Revelation 2:19). The definition of work as engaging in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result is certainly involved here in the spiritual sense by Christ.
We can also see from Christ’s own example that not only should we work, but we should do it with urgency. “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5). Christ’s work here was spiritual in nature because He was doing His Father’s will. And the work He did was urgent because He was living a finite life. Like us, He only had so much time to be about His Father’s business. We should also note that Christ’s spiritual work is directly tied to the fact that He was the light of the world.
We’ve been called to reflect that same light. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). We were called to be a light, a shining example to the world of what God’s way of life looks like. We’re to be a light that can’t be put out because we work physically and spiritually with urgency. It should be obvious to others that we are different– people who pull their own weight and whose lives are being transformed by the power of Christ in them.
Work may indeed be a controversial subject in the world today. But God makes it clear in His Word that there will be those that properly and urgently reflect His own light through their daily work. “Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing” (Matthew 24:46).
PS: A reminder that all the U.S. Feast of Tabernacles information for 2017 is on the Church website. The hotels are accepting reservations at this time.
For those in Northern California, next Sabbath, March 11, will be the first service at the new location in Elk Grove at the usual time of 11:00 am. The second service is scheduled for April 8.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
9175 West Stockton Blvd.
Elk Grove CA, 95758
Warm regards,
Brian Orchard/Marshall Stiver
