Garden City

1. We are created to work and rest, mirroring God's image

"God works, so we work. God rests, so we rest."

Work and rest are intertwined. They are not opposites, but complementary aspects of our human existence. Just as God worked for six days in creation and rested on the seventh, we are designed to follow this rhythm. This pattern is not arbitrary, but reflects our nature as beings made in God's image.

Our work has inherent value. It's not just a means to an end or a necessary evil. When we engage in meaningful work, we're fulfilling part of our purpose. This includes not just paid employment, but any productive activity that contributes to human flourishing.

Rest is equally important. It's not laziness or a waste of time, but a vital part of our design. Proper rest rejuvenates us, allows for reflection and creativity, and reminds us that we are more than what we produce.

2. Our work is a calling, not just a job

"Your vocation is your voice."

Vocation is about identity. It's not just what we do, but who we are. Our work should be an expression of our unique gifts, passions, and the way God has wired us. This doesn't mean everyone will have their dream job, but it does mean we can approach our work with a sense of purpose and calling.

Discovering our calling is a process. It involves self-reflection, experimentation, and often guidance from others. Key questions to consider:

• What do you love?
• What are you good at?
• What does the world need?
• What opportunities are open to you?

Calling transcends job titles. Even if we can't immediately change our circumstances, we can approach our current work as a calling by focusing on how it serves others and contributes to the greater good.

3. Everything is spiritual: No sacred-secular divide

"There is no such thing as Christian music, because a melody can't be a Christian, only a songwriter can."

All of life is sacred. The idea that some activities (like church work) are spiritual while others (like business) are secular is a false dichotomy. In a biblical worldview, all aspects of life can be infused with spiritual significance.

Work as worship. When we do our work with excellence and integrity, it becomes an act of worship. This applies whether we're preaching a sermon, designing a building, or cleaning a bathroom. The key is our attitude and motivation.

Dual vocation. As followers of Jesus, we have two callings:

1. To create culture and contribute to human flourishing through our work
2. To make disciples and share the good news of Jesus

These callings are not in conflict but work together as we live out our faith in all areas of life.

4. Excellence in work glorifies God

"Beautiful things don't ask for attention."

Skillful work reflects God's character. When we strive for excellence in our work, we mirror the creativity and craftsmanship of our Creator. This doesn't mean perfectionism, but rather a commitment to doing our best with the gifts and resources we have.

Excellence takes time and effort. The "10,000-hour rule" suggests that mastery in any field requires significant practice. This applies to our work as well. We should be patient with ourselves and others as we develop our skills over time.

Humility in excellence. True excellence doesn't need to boast or draw attention to itself. When our work is truly good, it will speak for itself and naturally draw people's attention to the source of all good things - God himself.

5. The curse on work is a blessing in disguise

"Pharaoh is alive and well."

Work is challenging by design. After the Fall, God cursed the ground, making work more difficult. This wasn't punishment, but a way to drive us back to dependence on Him. The challenges we face in our work can actually be opportunities for growth and faith.

Resisting the "more" mentality. Our culture often pushes us towards overwork and overconsumption. This is the spirit of Pharaoh, demanding more bricks, more production. We need to resist this mentality and find contentment in enough.

Finding meaning in struggle. Even when our work feels mundane or frustrating, we can find purpose by:

• Seeing it as an opportunity to serve others
• Developing character through perseverance
• Trusting God's presence in all circumstances

6. Sabbath rest is essential for human flourishing

"The Sabbath is a line in the sand. A shot across the bow. 'This far you shall go and no further.'"

Sabbath is more than a day off. It's a intentional practice of rest, worship, and delight. It's not about rules, but about entering into God's rhythm of work and rest.

Sabbath as resistance. In a culture of constant productivity and consumption, taking a Sabbath is a countercultural act. It declares that we are more than what we produce and that our value doesn't come from what we own.

Practical Sabbath-keeping:

• Disconnect from work and technology
• Engage in life-giving activities
• Spend time with God and loved ones
• Practice gratitude and contentment
• Avoid commerce and consumption

7. Our future hope shapes our present work

"We are the people of the future in the present."

Our work has eternal significance. The biblical vision of the future is not an escape to a disembodied heaven, but a renewed earth where our good work will be purified and incorporated into God's new creation.

Practice for eternity. Our current work is training for our future role in God's kingdom. As we develop skills and character now, we're preparing for greater responsibilities in the age to come.

Building for God's kingdom. While we can't build the kingdom ourselves, we can contribute to it through our work. This gives even mundane tasks eternal purpose when done in service to God and others.

8. Greatness redefined: Serving others

"The world itself was born out of the womb of God's love."

True greatness is found in service. Jesus redefined greatness not as power or status, but as serving others, especially those considered least important. This is a radical inversion of the world's values.

Serving counteracts selfishness. When we focus on serving others, we find joy and purpose that self-centered pursuits can never provide. It's the "backdoor to joy."

Practical ways to cultivate a servant's heart:

• Look for opportunities to meet others' needs
• Approach your work as a way to serve, not just earn
• Practice humility and put others first
• Serve those who can't repay you
• Find ways to use your unique gifts to benefit others

Last updated: November 8, 2024