READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l In the first two sermons of the Theology of Work series, we learnt:
- The purpose of work is to reflect the image of God
- Rest from work follows the rhythm of God
When we apply these two principles, why is it still so difficult to glorify God at our workplace and to align our faith in our work?
The Challenges of Work can be described with the acronym C.R.Y.
In aligning ourselves with God, we can choose to light a L.A.M.P to face these challenges
Challenge #1: Cursed with Fruitlessness
At the beginning of Creation, Adam’s sin of disobedience resulted in the curse of work for mankind. Gen 3:17-19 speaks of the curse of toil that brings forth ‘thorns and thistles’ instead of fruitfulness. Work will require difficult labour, and we shall sow ‘by the sweat of our face’.
In today’s context, whether in a corporate environment, at home, or even in church, we face ‘thorns and thistles’ at work that frustrate and weary us. In such situations, we can respond in faith and go to God!
- Respond by: Lamenting to God
As Christians, we have a wonderful option of pouring our hearts and thoughts out to God. He desires for us to come to Him in surrender and acknowledgement of His sovereignty. When we spend time in His Presence, it helps us to reflect His image when we respond to our work situations.
Worry is a conversation we have with ourselves for things out of our control that we cannot change.
Prayer is a conversation with God to bring things to Him that He can change.
Challenge #2: Reliance on Work for Meaning and Identity
The second challenge of Work is manifested in our confidence and self-worth rising and sinking based on our milestones and successes or failures. This happens when our identity revolves around how much we achieve at work, how high we climb and how much we earn.
- Respond by: Aligning with God’s Meaning and Identity for Us
Do we know who God says we are and what He thinks about us? Do we rely on this truth for our sense of self-worth or on our achievements?
We are first, children of God.
We work also as servants of the Lord, coworkers, acknowledging that it is only God that brings growth. The foundation that we should seek to build on is none other than Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 3:5-11)
Challenge #3: Yoked to Pressures of Work and Culture
As Christians, our personal and ethical boundaries are tested in the workplace. This is because God’s values are often at conflict with social norms. We are challenged to keep the Sabbath, honor our families with our time, respond with faith and Christ-like values.
In Esther 4:13-16, Esther is urged by her uncle Mordecai to stand up for the Jews although she faces the danger of death. Esther had more power than she realised and she had not used them until Mordecai pointed out that perhaps Esther had ‘come to royal dignity for just such a time as this’.
- Respond by: Mediating God’s Goodness at Work
Like Esther, many of us have been placed in unique positions of influence. We have resources and social capital that can be used to mediate God’s goodness at work. There are situations that we can influence in our very positions (whether high-ranking or otherwise).
In Gen 3:16, the process of childbirth is cursed with great pain. But not the child. Similarly, the process of work is cursed, but not the product. There is goodness in our work that God wants to use to reflect His light into the darkness. Unless we use our influence, qualifications, and resources to serve God and people, our workplaces and its culture become prisons that we are yoked to.
- Respond by: Pressing on Steadfastly
It is a journey of faith (to the end!) for us to follow Jesus and reflect Christ-like values in our organisations and careers. Imagine the impact that this could bring in our respective roles and spheres of influence. We become people of significance not by making a name for ourselves but by serving Jesus.
Are there situations or ethical dilemmas that God is asking us to influence and reflect His values? Let us partner with God to mediate His goodness in our workplaces.
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Read Genesis 3:17-21. What God say to Adam are the consequences of his disobedience?
- Who and what are impacted, and to what extend? How do we still experience it today?
- What are the various challenges of work mentioned in the sermon?
- Which one of the challenges mentioned do you face more frequently?
- What is one discipleship step you will take to follow God, reflecting God’s image at work, as you face the challenges of work in the coming week?
