Could Our Work Be Joyful?
Summary of a Sermon by Tim Keller
We shouldn’t be idle or depend on others to take care of us (1 Thessalonians 5:14). But many consider their work to be a drag. Can work be less grueling? What are some attributes that would make work more fulfilling?
Our work shouldn’t focus on our own fulfillment. Many work solely for their own fame or fortune. Self-centeredness brings a lot of pain.
Our work should not define us, such as “I am an engineer, a painter, a housemaid, a housewife, or a preacher.” If we let our profession define our meaning of existence or our identity, work will become our idol and burn us out.
The movie Chariots of Fire contrasts the attitudes of two British runners in the 1924 Olympics. Harold Abrahams won the 100-meter dash. He said when he ran, he had “10 lonely seconds to justify my existence.” He also said, “I’ve never known [contentment]. I’m forever in pursuit and I don’t even know what I am chasing.”
Our status and our identity should not depend on how well we have done our work. Our identity is from being God’s wonderful children, based on what Christ has done for us. God embraces us because of Christ, not our work.
The other runner, Eric Liddell, won the 400-meter dash. He said, “I believe God made me for a purpose … but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Running didn’t define him. After winning the Olympics, he left England to be a missionary in China.
Our work should utilize the gifts God has given us. But if God calls us to do something that doesn’t seem to fit, just do it. He will supply the necessary power.
We should sincerely try our best.
Work to appreciate what God has done for us (1 Thessalonians 4:1).
Work to honor God.
Finally, work to address needs around us, serving and benefiting others (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). Work to bring human flourishing as an expression of love.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/work-6449/
Our work shouldn’t focus on our own fulfillment. Many work solely for their own fame or fortune. Self-centeredness brings a lot of pain.
Our work should not define us, such as “I am an engineer, a painter, a housemaid, a housewife, or a preacher.” If we let our profession define our meaning of existence or our identity, work will become our idol and burn us out.
The movie Chariots of Fire contrasts the attitudes of two British runners in the 1924 Olympics. Harold Abrahams won the 100-meter dash. He said when he ran, he had “10 lonely seconds to justify my existence.” He also said, “I’ve never known [contentment]. I’m forever in pursuit and I don’t even know what I am chasing.”
Our status and our identity should not depend on how well we have done our work. Our identity is from being God’s wonderful children, based on what Christ has done for us. God embraces us because of Christ, not our work.
The other runner, Eric Liddell, won the 400-meter dash. He said, “I believe God made me for a purpose … but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Running didn’t define him. After winning the Olympics, he left England to be a missionary in China.
Our work should utilize the gifts God has given us. But if God calls us to do something that doesn’t seem to fit, just do it. He will supply the necessary power.
We should sincerely try our best.
Work to appreciate what God has done for us (1 Thessalonians 4:1).
Work to honor God.
Finally, work to address needs around us, serving and benefiting others (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). Work to bring human flourishing as an expression of love.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/work-6449/