Pastoral Letters

Born to Work

April 30, 2023 Author:Pastor Andrew Tan
Labour Day occurs on 1 May. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “May Day, also called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, day [commemorates] historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement.” This day remembers everyone who holds a job. Labour or work is important. In fact, human beings are born to work. Gen 2:5-6 describes the initial state of the earth as one in which “no shrub had yet appeared on the earth, and no plant had yet sprung up” (2:5a). One reason was “there was no one to work the ground” (2:5b). For that reason, “God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (2:7). In other words, the barren ground moved God to create man and to “make a helper suitable for him” (2:18). Thus, both man and woman, including you and I are created to work. Moses, in describing our duties to God, teaches that “six days you shall labour” (Exod 20:9). Christian Reformation emphasises the biblical truth well that all work, secular or clergical, is holy. The great reformer John Calvin in his Institutes of Christian Religion wrote, “there would be no employment so mean and sordid (provided we follow our vocation) as not to appear truly respectable, and be deemed highly important in the sight of God.”

Everyone (except for some sickly people) should be doing some form of meaningful work. Most people think: “How I wish I am free from all work responsibilities.” This is incorrect. Rather, you should do meaningful work as long as we have life. Students do homework. Housewives do housework. Adults earn money to feed the family. Even retirees do meaningful work, although at a slower pace. But what can I do? I’m sure, with a little creativity, you can think of something meaningful.

What are some Christian work ethics? After Paul has urged Christians to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), he goes on to describe what a Spirit filled life is. For employees, Paul in Eph 6:5-9 writes,

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. 9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.

Employees must do their best for their employers. This “best” is done as if we are doing it for our Lord. It is no less important than a pastor who preaches the Bible on Sundays.

But our lifelong work-life is wholesome only when there is rest. We are not only encouraged, but commanded to rest Exodus 20: “Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy” (20:8-11). The word “Sabbath” means rest. The author (Moses) emphasises the need to rest by commanding that even slaves and animals must rest. This “rest” is physical. We should observe a 24-hour rest from physical labour: rest from studies and work. This rest is also mental and spiritual. Then rest will be wholesome. You may have had the experience of doing nothing and yet you do not feel rested because you are troubled by some matters. But how do we find spiritual rest? We must come to church (the fellowship of Christians) to worship God on Sunday. By the preaching of God’s word, we are directed to walk in blessed ways and comforted by God. By meeting fellow Christians on Sundays, we could pray for and encourage each other. Thus, our hearts receive strength. We rest because God himself gives us rest. Thus, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Coming to church on Sundays and participating in spiritual activities, you will find sweet rest. Then you have strength to face a new week of challenges. May you find rest on Labour Day.