“Why Do I Work?” Understanding Christian Principles of Work

Are you currently feeling weary of work? Do you not know why you work other than to make a living? Or have you lost motivation in what you do, even to the point of no longer feeling confident in your abilities?

Routine, a packed schedule, and long working hours can cause a person to lose direction and diminish their level of happiness. However, this is not impossible to overcome. Work has a meaning far deeper than merely earning income or achieving success. Let us explore what God’s Word says about work.

Why Do People Work?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. – Genesis 1:1

“Working” is one of the oldest things in the universe. The first verse in the Bible speaks about work. Work existed before human beings were created. God works, and you are the result of His work.

For the director of music. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of His hands. – Psalm 19:1

The glory of the Lord is seen most clearly through the work of His hands. The heavens, the mountains, the sea, and you as His human creation are manifestations of the greatness of His creation.

So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. – Genesis 1:27

God created us in His image, and the context of image here is not merely form or appearance. Image also includes character or personal qualities. One of God’s personal qualities is that He works. So, God created you to work as well.

Then He said to the man, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” – Genesis 3:17-19

When humanity fell into sin for the first time, the principle of work changed. Human beings, who were originally created simply to rule over the earth, now had to toil all their lives.

4 Christian Principles About Work

As a Christian, you need to understand biblical principles about work.

1. Not Only for Yourself

“For six years you are to sow your fields and gather the crops, but during the seventh year let the land rest and leave it alone, so that the poor among your people may eat, and what they leave the wild animals may consume. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.” – Exodus 23:10-11

Since the time of Moses, God has taught people not to enjoy all the results of our hard work by ourselves alone. This is certainly contrary to the selfish principles of worldly economics. Yet God affirms that in every provision you receive from Him, a portion belongs to others (Deuteronomy 15:7-15; Ephesians 4:28).

We are expected to have a willing heart to share with others who are less fortunate, and to care for the preservation of nature.

You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. –2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV

2. Not a Burden, but a Gift

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil, this too is the gift of God. – Ecclesiastes 3:13

Work carries a stigma as something burdensome. Yet the Bible says that your work is a gift from God. By working, you can enjoy the fruit of your labor with joy, and this is in accordance with God’s will (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

3. God Equips His People

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills, to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 

Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him; also I have given ability to all the skilled workers. They are to make everything I have commanded you …” 

– Exodus 3:1-6

God not only commands people to work, but also equips us with the abilities and skills needed. What skills do you have right now? Whether it is knowledge in law, design, medicine, engineering, education, and so on, all of it is God’s gift that enables you to do good work.

4. A Means of Glorifying God

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. – 1 Timothy 6:1

Work is one way you glorify God. When you, as a Christian, shine in your work, others will notice. In that way, the name of the Lord is glorified all the more. In fact, you may even win unbelievers through the example of how you work.

The Right Attitude Toward Work

In your work, you need to have the right attitude, not merely a desire to finish the task. These attitudes include:

1. Do It for the Lord

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, and do it not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. – Colossians 3:22-23

God wants you to work wholeheartedly and always give your best in your work. No matter how difficult your situation, boss, or company may be, God’s expectation remains the same. It is even said that you need to do it as for the Lord, not for your boss or anyone else. So, would you be halfhearted if you were working for the Lord?

2. Diligent, Persevering, and Wise

One who is lazy in his work is brother to one who destroys. – Proverbs 18:9

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 

How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest” and poverty will come on you like a thief, and scarcity like an armed man.

– Proverbs 6:6-11

God invites us to imitate the character of the ant in our work. First, do your tasks diligently and do not be lazy. Second, remain persevering even when the work is difficult or boring. And finally, besides being hardworking, you must also work wisely.

Just as the Creator of the world is always at work, you as His creation are also called to work. Do your work wholeheartedly, and not merely to fulfill an obligation. May the principles above breathe new spirit into you, and through your work, may the name of the Lord be glorified more and more!

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