WORK: CULTIVATING THE GARDEN

VIDEO MESSAGE: GOSPEL IN LIFE 6 


SPEAKER: TIM KELLER 
SUNDAY SERVICE 25  AUGUST 2013 

Tim Keller continues to spell out how the Gospel affects our lifestyle and church community.  This time, it is about Work. As a recap, he has been saying (in slightly different ways in each session) how the Gospel - if internalized in the power of the Holy Spirit – will shape a believer, and then shape the place where we work and how we work.

Here are some reflections on this episode of Keller’s presentation.

1.  Work is an important aspect of human life. Work is also a significant part of God’s plan to advance his kingdom – partly because we spend so much of our time working, and partly because legitimate work in whatever form contributes to human flourishing. Human flourishing means, the positive growth and enrichment of human life and society. So the Gospel changes our conception of work. In the larger picture, it may mean we should deliberately work in a place that contributes to human flourishing and not undermine it  - ie, cigarette manufacturing, etc

2. Work is an expression of God’s character. In Genesis 1, he is revealed as a maker and creator. Adam whom we are told was created in God’s image was placed in a garden to work and care for the environment. Also the sustaining of the universe and the active sanctification of believers can be said to be God’s work as well. 

3.    The Gospel changes our motivation for work. Because work is so important to human life, it is not surprising that we consciously or unconsciously look to work to define our identity. When this happens, work achievement becomes an idol, and its rewards are more important than everything else. But now we see work differently, for we work to please God. The by-product of work well done may include a sense of pleasure and fulfillment, material rewards, or public acclaim, but they must not be what we live for primarily. 

4. Real life workplaces have serious challenges. Everyone agrees that the Gospel changes the ethics of work. But it is in the real life world that we all find challenges and compromises. Most people agree that some compromises are inevitable, but others say that if we constantly rationalize it this way, then how are we going to shape community and society effectively? If we truly stand up for more ethical practices, it is likely believers will always be on the losing end. 

5.    Naaman’s example. Naaman's words to Elisha in 2 Kings 5:18 is significant. By carrying soil from Israel Naaman displayed a visible difference in his service to a pagan Syrian King. But regarding his bowing in a pagan temple, Naaman seemed aware his action may be deemed a compromise, and he openly asked for forgiveness: 

^“But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.”

This is highly relevant and speaks to our day-to-day circumstances as well. If there is a lesson, it is this – we should not be quick to judge another brother or sister who is placed in a work situation that appears to compromise one’s faith and ethics.

6. Giving our best at work. Other aspects of ethics require personal reflection – being honest, being punctual, making expense claims, putting in genuine work and not slacking, etc. These are real issues where we need most to prove our Gospel-shaped identity. 

Finally, treasures on earth vs treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19,20 say: 

 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

Work to accumulate treasures on earth alone must be reviewed in light of the Gospel. While it is not wrong to enjoy the material rewards of work, a Gospel-shaped believer must think about what he intends to do with all he gains materially/financially. This is an area that is rarely thought through ahead of work. 

May God help us to work for human flourishing and to do it in ways that please and glorify Him.