The gospel echo in the workplace: work that worships
CHURCH: SKIN DEEP WE ARE ALL THE SAME
- Paul emphasizes the Gospel is available to all and accepting of all (Col 3:11)
- There is The Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit in whose fellowship every believer is called to respond
- The higher goal is the pleasure of the Triune God not only in our individual lives or home life but also in our workplace
Understanding Role and Responsibility within the ‘Sameness’
- Role and responsibility are redefined and reshaped by the Gospel. There is a governing body change. It’s no more the world/Satan but the Triune God.
- Paul seems to address the weaker (in one sense) before addressing the one with a greater responsibility. There is an authority that is set within the realms of the covenant of Marriage, Children and Parents and also between Slave and Master (Employee and Employer)
- Slaves and the Christian/non-Christian Household.
- During Paul’s time and early history slavery was not the kind of slavery we are accustomed to understand. It was a form of life. So you could have black people who were wealthy having slaves who were white.
- In the OT Israelites were allowed to have slaves but the conduct towards them was to be different from those nations who live around them (Leviticus).
- But just as it is today employers can exploit employees and employees can be complacent in their work are faking it.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL’s DEMAND ON ME?
- You were created to Worship and encounter God through your work
- Work was God’s mandate, not Man’s (Gen 2:15)
- Jesus was an apprentice and himself worked, despite being God! (Mk 6:3-4)
- How we work matters to God. It bears witness to His glorious work in you. (Col 3:24)
Take Away
MAKE YOUR WORK AN ASPECT OF YOUR WORSHIP