Redefining Work: Dignity, Purpose, and Worship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our mini-series on rhythms, focusing on rest, play, and work. Over the past two weeks, Jonathan Dotson has explored rest and play, and today, we delve into the theology of work. Our culture often ties our identity and dignity to our work, but the Bible offers a different perspective. We examined Genesis 1:26-28, where God creates humanity in His image, bestowing intrinsic value and dignity upon us before assigning any tasks. This foundational truth challenges the lie that work earns us dignity; instead, our God-given dignity empowers our work.
We discussed how our culture often distorts the concept of work, limiting it to what we do for money and inflating its importance to define our entire identity. This distortion complicates and disheartens our relationship with work. However, the Bible presents work as a treasure and a gift to be stewarded, not worshipped. Our dignity comes from being created in God's image, not from our job titles or achievements.
We also explored the broader scope of work, which includes domestic life and community involvement. The New Testament reinforces this, emphasizing the importance of managing our households well before taking on other responsibilities. This perspective extends to the family of God, where we are all called to contribute to the community, regardless of our marital status or stage in life.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works that He prepared in advance for us to do. This means that every task, no matter how small, is imbued with purpose and meaning because it is given by God. We are called to adopt God's rhythm of work, which includes working, reflecting, and resting, and to approach our work as a form of worship.
In conclusion, we need God's help to reorient our view of work. By embracing His rhythm and work ethic, we can see our work as an act of worship, contributing to the flourishing of His creation. Let's pray for God's guidance and strength to live out this vision in our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intrinsic Dignity: Our dignity is intrinsic and given by God, not earned through our work. Before we accomplish anything, God delights in us and values us as His creation. This foundational truth frees us from the pressure to derive our worth from our job titles or achievements. [14:02]
2. Broader Scope of Work: Work is not limited to what we do for money. It includes domestic responsibilities and community involvement. This broader perspective helps us see the value in all forms of work, from household chores to serving in the church. [19:18]
3. God's Rhythm of Work: God's rhythm of work involves working, reflecting, and resting. He calls His creation good and takes time to rest, setting an example for us to follow. Adopting this rhythm helps us avoid overwork and find balance in our lives. [33:25]
4. Work as Worship: When we approach work as worship, we see every task as an opportunity to serve God and others. This perspective elevates even the most mundane tasks, imbuing them with purpose and meaning. [34:46]
5. God's Prepared Works: God has prepared good works in advance for us to do. This means that every task we undertake is part of His sovereign plan. Recognizing this helps us find contentment and purpose in our current roles, no matter how insignificant they may seem. [25:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:44] - Introduction to the Series on Rhythms
[04:10] - The Lie to Renounce: Work Earns Dignity
[05:36] - Personal Story: Transition and Identity
[08:26] - The Distorted View of Work
[11:09] - Work as a Treasure, Not a God
[12:29] - The Vanity of Work
[14:02] - The Truth to Hold: Dignity Empowers Work
[16:20] - Psalm 8: Humanity's Unique Value
[17:58] - The First Work: Family and Community
[19:18] - Family First: A Countercultural Approach
[21:59] - The Family of God: Expanding the Concept of Work
[23:27] - Ephesians 2:10: Created for Good Works
[25:03] - God's Prepared Works: Purpose in Every Task
[26:26] - Balanced View of Work: Neither Overworking nor Laziness
[27:54] - Contentment in God's Assignments
[29:15] - God's Intentional Placement
[30:41] - The Value of All Work: Children, Retirees, and Everyone in Between
[33:25] - Adopting God's Rhythm of Work
[34:46] - God's Work Ethic: Working for God and Others
[36:08] - Expanding Our Imagination of Work
[37:32] - Closing Prayer and Liturgy
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-28: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
2. Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
3. Psalm 8:3-6: "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities did God give to humanity after creating them in His image?
2. In Ephesians 2:10, what does Paul say about the purpose for which we were created in Christ Jesus?
3. How does Psalm 8:3-6 describe the value and dignity that God has placed on humanity?
4. What lie about work does the sermon suggest we need to renounce, and what truth should we hold instead? ([04:10])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that our dignity is intrinsic and given by God (Genesis 1:26-28) change the way we view our work and achievements? ([14:02])
2. What does it mean to see work as a treasure and a gift to be stewarded rather than something to be worshipped? ([12:29])
3. How can the broader scope of work, including domestic responsibilities and community involvement, help us find value in all forms of work? ([19:18])
4. How does Ephesians 2:10 help us understand the purpose and meaning behind every task we undertake, no matter how small?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your identity was tied to your job title or achievements. How did that affect your sense of self-worth? How can you remind yourself of your intrinsic dignity given by God? ([05:36])
2. In what ways can you broaden your understanding of work to include domestic responsibilities and community involvement? How might this change your daily routine or priorities? ([19:18])
3. How can you adopt God's rhythm of work, which includes working, reflecting, and resting, in your own life? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not overworking? ([33:25])
4. Think of a mundane task you do regularly. How can you approach this task as an act of worship, serving God and others through it? ([34:46])
5. Identify a specific good work that you believe God has prepared for you to do. How can you approach this task with a sense of purpose and meaning, knowing it is part of His sovereign plan? ([25:03])
6. How can you balance your work responsibilities with your family and community commitments, ensuring that you are not neglecting one for the other? ([19:18])
7. What steps can you take to find contentment and purpose in your current role, even if it seems insignificant? How can you trust that God has intentionally placed you where you are? ([27:54])
Devotional
### Day 1: Intrinsic Dignity
Our dignity is intrinsic and given by God, not earned through our work. Before we accomplish anything, God delights in us and values us as His creation. This foundational truth frees us from the pressure to derive our worth from our job titles or achievements.
In a world that often measures worth by productivity and success, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that our value is tied to what we do. However, the Bible teaches us that our dignity is inherent because we are made in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-28 reveals that God created humanity in His image and bestowed intrinsic value upon us before assigning any tasks. This means that our worth is not something we earn; it is a gift from God.
Understanding this truth can transform how we view ourselves and our work. When we recognize that our dignity comes from being God's creation, we are freed from the relentless pursuit of validation through our achievements. Instead, we can approach our work with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing that we are already valued and loved by God. [14:02]
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
Reflection: How does knowing that your dignity is intrinsic and given by God change the way you view your work and achievements today?
### Day 2: Broader Scope of Work
Work is not limited to what we do for money. It includes domestic responsibilities and community involvement. This broader perspective helps us see the value in all forms of work, from household chores to serving in the church.
Our culture often narrows the definition of work to activities that earn a paycheck, but the Bible offers a more expansive view. Work encompasses all the tasks and responsibilities we undertake, including those within our homes and communities. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of managing our households well before taking on other responsibilities, highlighting the value of domestic life and community involvement.
This broader perspective helps us appreciate the significance of all forms of work. Whether we are caring for our families, volunteering in our communities, or serving in the church, every task has value and purpose. By recognizing the importance of these roles, we can find fulfillment and meaning in all aspects of our lives. [19:18]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What are some ways you can find value and purpose in your domestic responsibilities and community involvement today?
### Day 3: God's Rhythm of Work
God's rhythm of work involves working, reflecting, and resting. He calls His creation good and takes time to rest, setting an example for us to follow. Adopting this rhythm helps us avoid overwork and find balance in our lives.
In the creation account, God sets a pattern for us by working for six days and then resting on the seventh. This rhythm of work and rest is essential for our well-being. By taking time to reflect on our work and rest, we can avoid the pitfalls of overwork and burnout. God's example teaches us that rest is not a luxury but a necessary part of a healthy and balanced life.
Adopting God's rhythm of work helps us find balance and perspective. It allows us to see our work as part of a larger purpose and to appreciate the value of rest. By following this pattern, we can experience greater fulfillment and joy in our daily lives. [33:25]
Exodus 20:9-10 (ESV): "Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates."
Reflection: How can you incorporate periods of reflection and rest into your weekly routine to follow God's rhythm of work?
### Day 4: Work as Worship
When we approach work as worship, we see every task as an opportunity to serve God and others. This perspective elevates even the most mundane tasks, imbuing them with purpose and meaning.
Viewing work as an act of worship transforms our approach to daily tasks. Instead of seeing work as a means to an end, we can see it as an opportunity to honor God and serve others. This perspective elevates even the most mundane tasks, giving them purpose and meaning. When we work with the intention of glorifying God, our efforts become a form of worship.
This mindset shift helps us find joy and fulfillment in our work, regardless of the nature of the tasks. By dedicating our work to God, we can experience a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction. Every task, no matter how small, becomes an opportunity to reflect God's love and grace to those around us. [34:46]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: How can you approach your work today as an act of worship, serving God and others through your efforts?
### Day 5: God's Prepared Works
God has prepared good works in advance for us to do. This means that every task we undertake is part of His sovereign plan. Recognizing this helps us find contentment and purpose in our current roles, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works that He prepared in advance for us to do. This means that every task we undertake is part of God's sovereign plan. Recognizing this truth helps us find contentment and purpose in our current roles, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
When we understand that God has a plan for our work, we can approach each task with a sense of purpose and dedication. Even the smallest tasks are imbued with meaning because they are part of God's design for our lives. This perspective helps us find joy and fulfillment in our daily work, knowing that we are contributing to God's greater plan. [25:03]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How can you find contentment and purpose in your current role, knowing that God has prepared good works for you to do?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our culture highly values work, right? That's safe to say. One artifact of such a truth can be found in the way that we greet one another, right? Hey, nice to meet you. What's your name? So and so. Oh, good to meet you. Awkward silence. So what do you do, right? And then it goes something like this. If you're really proud of what you do for work, and by work right now, I mean the thing you do to make money, you name your career and your role, and maybe you get into some of the specifics of what you do and how you contribute and the plans for the future, right?" [05:36] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Work is a treasure. It is a gift to be stewarded. And that also means that it is not a thing to be worshipped because it's not God itself. It's not where our dignity comes from. And so what's the truth to hold then? If work isn't the thing where we get all of our dignity, what is the truth we need to hold? We need to hold on to the fact that dignity is given to us freely and it actually empowers our work. And it allows us to actually work more freely." [12:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to reject the idea that work is only what I do for money. That that is the sole means by which the Bible speaks about work. The Bible doesn't speak about work solely as the thing that we do for our provisions or for a paycheck. As we'll see in a little bit, there's a plethora of activities that encompass and reside in the way the Bible talks about and views work in human life." [08:26] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need God's rhythm for work. We need his work ethic, but more than we need all of that, we need God's help. And so maybe, maybe you're hearing this. And like I said, there's one, it's easy to talk about doing this the right way. It's a hard thing to do it the right way. And so we, I want to close our time by just praying and asking that God would help us, that he would give us a vision for work." [36:08] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Imagine if we, if we, if we re-altered that around the, the work and the task that God has given us. How could I want to do more than what the God is, what God has given me to do today? That the task he's given me today is enough for me. It, it's an honor that he considered me to be the one who has given me. And I want to do more than what the God has given me. I want to do this thing. No matter how grand, no matter how small, it's like you, you saw fit to choose, right?" [27:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The lie to renounce is that work earns us dignity. The truth to hold is that dignity empowers our work. And then the step to take is a step towards approaching work as worship. And so work doesn't earn dignity. Dignity does empower work. How do we approach work as worship?" [04:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We see that the gospel helps us to properly orient what work is for and expand our imagination of where it actually transpires, that it's not just the thing we do for money, it's the things that we do here. When you get up and you serve and you disseminate the bread and the juice, that's good work. We're helping our brothers and sisters in the faith. We're helping our brothers and sisters in the faith. We're helping our brothers and sisters in the faith partake in something that God has commanded us to do." [23:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The first step of relating to work accordingly is to be taken by the fact that before you did anything praiseworthy, God already delighted in you. He was already he was already proud that you were his to have made you you matter to God. And we weren't created like action figures, right, where it's like, all right, we got humanity and then the dignity and the blessing is sold separately. Right. He just put it all in the box from the jump." [16:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to also remember that it is entrusted to work to us. And what that does is that means that because he's given it, simply because he's given it, no matter what it is, it's imbued with purpose and meaning. There's this passage in Dante's Comedy. So remember when I was a barista and doing some Uber driving, and I was in between, and I was trying to consider, and I was finishing my degree audit. I read this book, and so it was a useful time, The Divine Comedy." [26:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need his work rhythm. We also need his work ethic. Now, a lot of God's work ethic gets co-opted by the world, and sometimes we can use these passages to stimulate overwork, right? So like Colossians 3, 23, whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for man. And we're like, see, you got to go, hustle culture, you can't stop. If you're not waking up at three in the morning, all that kind of stuff. And it's like, that's not what the passage is talking about." [34:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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