Why Should We Work?
God, Master Architect, designed His house. Skilled people, such as Bezalel, worked to accomplish God's plans. They wanted to honor and please God by their efforts.
"The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." (Helen Keller)
The story is told of a man who visited a stone quarry and asked three of the workers what they were doing.
"Can't you see?" said the first one irritably. "I'm cutting a stone."
The second one replied, "I'm earning a hundred pounds a week."
But the third put down his pick and thrust out his chest proudly. "I'm building a cathedral," he said.
People view work in many different ways: as a necessary evil to keep bread on the table; as a means to a sizable bank account; as a self-fulfillment and identity; as an economic obligation within society; as a means to a life of leisure.
Yet none of these represents an adequate view of work that provides ongoing or complete satisfaction for our labors. We are more than material beings, more than social beings, and more than cogs in the machinery of work.
We are, above all, spiritual beings, and as such we need to rediscover the moral and spiritual significance for every area and aspect of our lives, including our work.
Why, then, should we work?
Because work gives expression to our creative gifts and thus fulfills our need for meaning and purpose.
Because work is intrinsically good when done with the proper attitude and motive. Because we are commanded to exercise stewardship over the earth, participating in the work of Creation in a way that glorifies God.
Because we are citizens of this earth and have certain responsibilities to our fellow citizen.
-From "Why America Doesn't Work" by Charles Colson and Jack Eckert; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado
"The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." (Helen Keller)
The story is told of a man who visited a stone quarry and asked three of the workers what they were doing.
"Can't you see?" said the first one irritably. "I'm cutting a stone."
The second one replied, "I'm earning a hundred pounds a week."
But the third put down his pick and thrust out his chest proudly. "I'm building a cathedral," he said.
People view work in many different ways: as a necessary evil to keep bread on the table; as a means to a sizable bank account; as a self-fulfillment and identity; as an economic obligation within society; as a means to a life of leisure.
Yet none of these represents an adequate view of work that provides ongoing or complete satisfaction for our labors. We are more than material beings, more than social beings, and more than cogs in the machinery of work.
We are, above all, spiritual beings, and as such we need to rediscover the moral and spiritual significance for every area and aspect of our lives, including our work.
Why, then, should we work?
Because work gives expression to our creative gifts and thus fulfills our need for meaning and purpose.
Because work is intrinsically good when done with the proper attitude and motive. Because we are commanded to exercise stewardship over the earth, participating in the work of Creation in a way that glorifies God.
Because we are citizens of this earth and have certain responsibilities to our fellow citizen.
-From "Why America Doesn't Work" by Charles Colson and Jack Eckert; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado
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