At the end of every year, we organize a mission trip for professionals and skilled individuals. It is always exciting to watch our volunteers deploy their various skills to serve communities that have little or no access to such services. Medical professionals lead medical outreacc5tnhes; bakers train locals in confectionery production; hairdressers and barbers provide shaving, styling, and interlocking services; photographers create lasting memories; chemists produce household products such as soap and disinfectants; tailors mend clothes; gardeners teach Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs); business consultants provide advisory services; and many others bring their expertise for the good of others and the glory of God.
One may ask: Why are we passionate about this kind of mission trip—one that enables professionals to serve communities with their skills? At the core of our motivation is our understanding of the Theology of Work. Knowing how and why work matters to God drives us to intentionally connect mission helpers to mission needs.
What is Theology?
Theology can be simply defined as the understanding of God—His nature, character, and mission. While this definition may seem basic, it sufficiently shows us that work is rooted in God’s nature, desire, and command to humanity.
What Is Work?
Is my job my only work? Does work have to generate income to qualify as work? What truly defines work? Can activities that generate income but destroy human dignity—such as armed robbery, drug trafficking, or prostitution—be considered legitimate work? Work, in general terms, refers to any physical or mental effort carried out to achieve specific goals, often including income generation. However, biblical work is a God-given purpose for humanity, rooted in creation (Genesis 2:15). It is intended for stewardship, provision for family, personal fulfillment, and the reflection of God’s glory through diligence and excellence in every meaningful activity—whether manual labor or professional practice. Biblical work is a calling, not merely a job. It is to be done heartily “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), with the understanding that diligent effort brings both earthly and eternal rewards.
What Is the Theology of Work (ToW)?
Understanding how and why work matters to God provides a solid foundation and deep motivation for engaging in daily activities. The Theology of Work helps believers see work as worship, service, and partnership with God.
Core Principles of ToW
1. Work Is God’s Idea: Work was invented, demonstrated, and commanded by God. In Genesis 1, we see God working creatively. In Genesis 3, we see God working redemptively to restore humanity. In Genesis 2:15, God commands humanity to work, just as He works.
2. Humanity as Co-Creators with God: The Imago Dei—the image of God—is God’s signature on His apex creative project: humanity. Humans were created with the capacity for creativity and the responsibility of stewardship. We are therefore called to create products and services for the good of others and the glory of God, while responsibly caring for God’s creation.
3. Purpose Before Income: Scripture instructs us to work to provide for our needs and those of our families. However, income generation is not the ultimate purpose of work. There are three core purposes of work:Work is for serving others: God created us for one another. Work involves offering products or services that reduce human suffering and enhance human dignity.Work is for self-edification: Work develops us mentally, physically, socially, and economically. It adds value to the worker.Work is for glorifying God: Ultimately, God—who instituted and commanded work—determines how and why work should be done.
4. Integration of Faith and Work: The Protestant work ethic significantly contributed to the development of Western civilization. One of the blessings of the Reformation was the correction of the false sacred–secular divide. The Reformers affirmed that every vocation is a calling from God. A priest is not holier than a cobbler because of his vocation; both must see their work as sacred unto God.
5. Stewardship as the True Mandate: The cultural mandate—“be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion”—was given to humanity by God. The pathway to dominion is faithful stewardship. Every person must view their work as a responsibility entrusted to them by God. Every work therefore has meaning because it serves both God’s purposes and human flourishing.
6. God’s Presence and Influence in the Workplace: Humanity was created to work in Eden, in the presence of God. Sin drove humanity away from God’s presence, but through the redemptive work of Christ, that relationship is restored. Eden is no longer a geographical location but a spiritual reality—God now dwells within believers by His Spirit. Recognizing this truth transforms how professionals work. They become mindful of their speech, actions, motivations, and conduct because God’s presence within them ought to influence their workplace.
The Six Categories of God’s Work
According to Robert Banks in Faith Goes to Work, God’s work can be understood in six categories. God invites us to partner with Him in these areas, as Jesus did:
Redemptive Work: Since Genesis 3, God has been working redemptively. He invites us to share the message of who He is and what He has done through Jesus Christ to restore fallen humanity. Our calling is to use every skill, resource, and opportunity to point others to reconciliation with God.
Creative Work: God worked creatively in forming both the visible and invisible realms. We are invited to create products and services that continually enhance the value of human life in God’s world.
Providential Work: God sustains the universe through His providence. We must recognize every work opportunity as coming from God and understand that the true value of work is not primarily the income generated, but faithful stewardship.
Just Work: God is just, and His world is governed by justice. Evil has either been judged at the cross or will be judged in eternity. Professionals, in light of God’s justice, are called to live and work righteously at all times.
Compassionate Work: Jesus demonstrated compassion as an essential attribute of the Father. As those created in His image, we must work compassionately with employees, employers, clients, customers, volunteers, and all stakeholders.
Revelatory Work: Through His earthly ministry, Jesus revealed the truth about God, humanity, and the world. We are called to use our platforms and resources to reveal truth consistently and faithfully.
How Should We Work?
- Work enthusiastically — Colossians 3:23
- Work with enjoyment — Ecclesiastes 5:18
- Work with integrity and diligence — Ephesians 6:5–8
- Work with excellence — Daniel 6:3–4
Conclusion
Work began with God. Work was given before sin entered the world. Work is meant to glorify God and add value to others. Work will continue in the new heaven and the new earth. Work is for you and for me.