Our Call to Work
Work is just a means to an end. Does this sound familiar?
Genesis 1:26-28 tells us that we are created in God’s image and that we are called to exercise dominion over the whole creation.
This is the cultural mandate, also known as our call to creativity.
Only God can make something out of nothing, but he calls us to make something out of something. We have the ability to take a tree and make a table; to take clay and make a statue; to take metal and make a musical instrument.
We need to work to provide for ourselves and our families, but we shouldn’t miss the central point: we are created to work.
The Fall has significantly impacted our attitudes towards work and has made answering our callings more difficult. Resistance to doing excellent work can come from our sins of laziness, pride, and greed.
The gospel of Christ not only saves our souls, but also restores us to who God created us to be. Yet the gospel many preach is limited to personal sin and personal redemption. Redemption is comprehensive. It extends to the church, the body of Christ, and to all of creation.
Everything will be redeemed (Acts 3:21).
If we emphasize that redemption works to restore everything the Fall has impacted, we would have a theology that could transform all of life.
This complete redemption includes the restoration of a new heaven and a new earth that is mentioned in Revelation 21. Our work today on earth matters for God’s restoration of all things.
Work continues in the new heavens and new earth – minus the blood, sweat, and tears. In heaven, we will sing a “new song” (Revelation 5:9). Creativity continues.
Think of the infinitely creative God coming up with infinite adventures for all eternity.
Scripture Readings:
Genesis 1:26-28
Acts 3:21
Revelations 21
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