Seeing Work as the Oxymoronic Conundrum it is
Here we are, ready to celebrate Labor Day with a long weekend. As Christians, we should celebrate Labor Day. I mean, I think we should, shouldn’t we? Or not?
We Christians seems to have a relationship with work that I think best can be described as “oxymoronic.” (I have wanted to use that word for weeks, even if it – likely – isn’t a real word. I can go back to bed now.)
See, on the one hand, we see our labor as something good. On the other hand, we don’t see it that way. We’re suppose to enjoy our work, do it all to the glory of God, but don’t enjoy it so much that it takes us away from our family, worship or any other good thing God has provided. We’re supposed to use our God-given skills to generate income to provide for our families, support ministries, etc. But don’t become so enamored with your labor that you make it an idol.
The Bible fans this paradox, depending on how you read it. Psalm 127:1 starts out with wise counsel. “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Labor for God. Makes sense. But in the very next chapter, we get to celebrate labor as if it’s something we did: “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. (Pslam 128:2).
I find a lot of plain, simple wisdom about work in Eccelsiates 5:18: “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot.” Amen.
So, there it is. This weekend, go out and celebrate the satisfaction of toilsome labor in an appropriately oxymoronic way… take the day off.
We Christians seems to have a relationship with work that I think best can be described as “oxymoronic.” (I have wanted to use that word for weeks, even if it – likely – isn’t a real word. I can go back to bed now.)
See, on the one hand, we see our labor as something good. On the other hand, we don’t see it that way. We’re suppose to enjoy our work, do it all to the glory of God, but don’t enjoy it so much that it takes us away from our family, worship or any other good thing God has provided. We’re supposed to use our God-given skills to generate income to provide for our families, support ministries, etc. But don’t become so enamored with your labor that you make it an idol.
The Bible fans this paradox, depending on how you read it. Psalm 127:1 starts out with wise counsel. “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Labor for God. Makes sense. But in the very next chapter, we get to celebrate labor as if it’s something we did: “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. (Pslam 128:2).
I find a lot of plain, simple wisdom about work in Eccelsiates 5:18: “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot.” Amen.
So, there it is. This weekend, go out and celebrate the satisfaction of toilsome labor in an appropriately oxymoronic way… take the day off.
posted by Tom Petersen at 8:56 AM
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