Work as Divine Calling: Finding Purpose and Joy
Summary
In the exploration of the practical wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs, a key theme is the understanding of work not as a burden, but as a divine calling. The foundational premise is that work is an integral part of human existence, designed by God as a means to reflect His ongoing work in the world. This perspective challenges the common view that work is merely a means to an end—providing food, shelter, and other necessities or pleasures of life. Instead, it posits that the true purpose of work is to demonstrate the active presence of God in the world.
The discussion begins by addressing a common misconception that work is a curse resulting from human sin. This idea is debunked by revisiting the biblical narrative found in Genesis, where work is presented as part of the created order before the fall of humanity. God, depicted as a worker in the act of creation, declares His work as good. In the same way, humans, made in God's image, are inherently designed to work. The original design for work was meant to be joyful and fulfilling, not burdensome. However, the narrative acknowledges that while work itself is not a curse, the ground—and by extension, the context in which humans labor—was cursed due to sin, making work more toilsome.
The conversation then shifts to the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul encourages believers to work willingly and with a sense of serving the Lord rather than merely serving human masters. This reframing of work as service to Christ elevates the act of working beyond the secular/sacred divide, suggesting that all work, regardless of its nature, is sacred when done for God. This perspective is further emphasized by the reminder that believers are God's masterpiece, created to do good works prepared in advance by God.
The practical application of this theology of work is multifaceted. First, it involves a change in attitude, where individuals are encouraged to view their work as a calling from God. This shift in perspective transforms how one approaches their daily tasks, leading to a more purposeful and joy-filled engagement with their work. Second, work is seen as a witness to others. The way one works—exemplifying attributes such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—can demonstrate the transformative power of the Christian faith to colleagues and employers. Lastly, work is a reflection of one's identity in Christ, not the sum total of one's worth or purpose.
The discussion also touches on the practical steps to align one's work with their passion and purpose. It suggests asking oneself four key questions: What do I love to do? What am I good at? What does the world need? What can I get paid for? The intersection of these questions can guide individuals toward work that is both fulfilling and in line with God's purposes.
Personal stories are shared to illustrate the principles discussed, including the story of a woman who redefined her role as a stay-at-home mom in a humorous and dignified way at a social gathering. Another story highlights the faith journey of the speaker and his wife, who experienced God's provision as they pursued their calling despite financial challenges.
The narrative concludes with an exhortation to trust in God's provision and to seek joy and fulfillment in work, not as an end in itself, but as a means to live out one's God-given purpose. The ultimate goal is not to work for a paycheck but to work for a purpose, and when one aligns with that purpose, God will provide in unexpected ways.
Key Takeaways:
- Work is an intrinsic part of God's design for humanity, and it is meant to be a source of joy rather than a burden. This understanding requires a shift in perspective, recognizing that work is a calling from God and an opportunity to reflect His creative nature. When work is approached as a divine calling, it can transform the mundane into the meaningful. [39:19]
- The attitude with which one approaches work can serve as a powerful witness to the reality of one's faith. By embodying the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—in the workplace, believers can demonstrate the transformative power of the Christian faith to those around them. [54:06]
- One's identity should not be rooted in their occupation, but in their relationship with Christ. This understanding liberates individuals from finding their worth in their job title or societal status and instead anchors their identity in being a child of God. When work is separated from identity, it allows for a healthier approach to both professional and personal life. [57:19]
- The concept of "Ikigai," a Japanese term that refers to finding one's purpose in life, can be a helpful framework for Christians seeking to align their work with their God-given passions and abilities. By considering what one loves, what one is good at, what the world needs, and what one can be paid for, individuals can move towards work that is both fulfilling and in service to God. [45:52]
- Trusting in God's provision is essential when pursuing one's calling. Personal testimonies and biblical principles affirm that when individuals step out in faith to follow their God-ordained purpose, God is faithful to provide for their needs. This trust challenges the fear of financial insecurity and encourages believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. [49:57]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 14:23 (NIV) - "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
2. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
3. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 14:23, what is the outcome of hard work compared to idle talk?
2. In Colossians 3:23, who does Paul say we should consider as our true master when we work?
3. How does Ephesians 2:10 describe our creation and purpose in Christ Jesus?
4. What misconception about work does the sermon address using the Genesis narrative? ([38:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does viewing work as a calling from God rather than a curse change one's perspective on daily tasks? ([37:37])
2. What does it mean to work "as though you were working for the Lord" in practical terms? ([36:20])
3. How can embodying the fruits of the Spirit in the workplace serve as a witness to others? ([51:44])
4. How does the concept of "Ikigai" help in aligning one's work with their God-given purpose? ([45:52])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current job. Do you see it as a calling from God? If not, what steps can you take to change your perspective? ([37:37])
2. Think about a time when you felt your work was burdensome. How might viewing your work as service to Christ have changed that experience? ([36:20])
3. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you struggle to demonstrate at work. What specific action can you take this week to improve in that area? ([54:06])
4. Have you ever felt that your identity was too closely tied to your job? How can you shift your focus to find your identity in Christ instead? ([54:50])
5. Consider the four questions of "Ikigai" (What do I love to do? What am I good at? What does the world need? What can I get paid for?). Which of these areas do you need to explore more deeply to find your purpose in work? ([45:19])
6. Share a personal story where you trusted in God's provision while pursuing your calling. How did God provide for you in unexpected ways? ([49:57])
7. How can you be a better witness to your colleagues through your work ethic and attitude? What changes can you make starting tomorrow? ([51:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy in Divine Work
Work is a divine gift meant to enrich our lives and connect us with God's creative purpose. It is not merely a means to an end but a calling that allows us to participate in God's ongoing creation. When we view our work as a calling, it becomes a source of joy and fulfillment, transforming our daily tasks into opportunities for worship and service. [39:19]
Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Reflection: How can you approach your daily work as an act of worship and service to God starting today?
Day 2: Witness Through Work Ethic
Our work ethic and attitude can be a powerful testament to our faith. By embodying the fruits of the Spirit in our daily tasks, we can demonstrate the transformative power of our faith, impacting those around us and reflecting God's love and grace in the workplace. [54:06]
Titus 2:7-8 - "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
Reflection: What fruit of the Spirit can you more intentionally exhibit at work to serve as a witness to your colleagues?
Day 3: Identity Beyond Occupation
Our true identity is found in Christ, not in our job titles or the roles we play in society. Understanding this frees us from the pressure of finding worth in our work and allows us to live out our true purpose as children of God, with our work being an expression of our identity rather than the definition of it. [57:19]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ when you feel defined by your work or role?
Day 4: Aligning Work with Purpose
Finding the intersection of our passions, skills, the world's needs, and what we can be paid for leads us to work that is fulfilling and aligned with God's purposes. This concept of "Ikigai" can help us discern our calling and live out our God-given potential in our professional lives. [45:52]
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: What steps can you take to align your current work with your passions and God's purposes for your life?
Day 5: Trusting God's Provision in Purpose
When we pursue our calling with trust in God's provision, we can overcome the fear of financial insecurity and experience God's faithfulness. This trust allows us to prioritize our spiritual calling over material concerns, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. [49:57]
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: Can you identify an area where fear of provision is holding you back from pursuing your calling? How can you trust God more in this area?
Quotes
1) "Realize that your work is not a curse; it's a calling from God no matter what your job is. If you'll continue to be faithful, God will continue to be faithful and he's going to provide for you no matter what." [51:06] (Download)
2) "The purpose of my work is to show that God is at work. You think the purpose of your work is to provide food, a roof over your head... but the purpose of your work is to show that God is at work." [37:37] (Download)
3) "We are God's Masterpiece, created by Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared in advance for us to do... you and I were created by God to work." [36:57] (Download)
4) "The goal isn't to work for a paycheck; the goal is we want to work for a purpose. When you find your purpose in life and you start to live a purpose-driven life, God will provide for you in ways you can't even imagine." [45:52] (Download)
5) "You are not your job... who you are as a follower of Jesus, you're a son of the king, you're a daughter of the king, that's who you are, and you're called to be a witness for him." [57:19] (Download)
6) "It's the love of Christ that compels us to work hard whether it's our first day on the job or the day of our retirement party or any day that's in between." [58:34] (Download)
7) "When you find what God has called you to do, when you get to that purpose-driven type of life, God will provide for you. He's going to do it every single time." [47:02] (Download)
8) "The wise understand that there's always reward, there's always something to be gained for the hard work that we do." [01:06:11] (Download)
9) "If the people at your work see that you're cutting corners... they're going to think that person is exactly like me, the only difference is they waste an hour of their week every weekend going to a church." [52:16] (Download)
10) "Work willingly at whatever you do as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people... who you're really working for is Jesus himself." [36:20] (Download)
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