The Dignity of Work

One of the growing cultural trends, particularly among younger people, is the belief that they are entitled to a job or career that is fulfilling, enjoyable and meaningful. For those who do not believe in Christ, this is understandable because they probably spend much of their time working. What about for those who profess to follow Christ as Lord? Should we expect that work is going to meet many of our non material needs? Will our worth and value be determined by the work that we do? Or is work intended to provide for our material needs because God is the One who gives us worth and value? Can the janitor have as much dignity in his labor as the CEO? In everything the disciple of Christ should look to Him as our example. In most societies prior to the advent of universal education, children began to work, assisting their parents, at an early age. Jesus, born into a poor family (2 Cor. 8:9)and the oldest of at least seven children ( Matthew 13:55-56) worked until He was thirty. (Luke 3:23) This was hard, manual labor without the benefit of electricity or power tools in which everything had to be done by hand. If the God who created the universe (Hebrews 1:2)worked with His hands, then He gives dignity to work no matter how dirty, arduous or unpleasant. We see the same example in the life of Paul. Instead of demanding to be supported by those to whom he had ministered the gospel and shepherded,( 1 Cor. 9:12) although he had that right ( 1 Cor. 9:14, he also worked hard physical labor. (2 Thess 3:7-9, 1 Thess 2:9) The Bible admonishes us to work. "That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you lack nothing. ( 1 Thess 4:11-12)"Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need." (Ephesians 4:28) "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak..." (Acts 20:35) The Scripture does not indicate that we must derive happiness, fulfillment or purpose from our work. This would elevate work to a place of idolatry. Our worth, value, purpose and fulfillment comes from Christ alone.