The concept of work relates some of the meaning of earth and heaven. Formed in God’s image, we learn from Scripture that because God works, we also work. We learn from Jesus’ words that presented his own goal and purpose as work, given of the Father. A block passage explaining some identity and extent of work is 1 Corinthians 3. It teaches especially the importance of work as a spiritual factor. The reader is given the caveat, well known to evangelical Christians, that mankind’s work is not a ticket to heaven (v.15), but does not deny that work for human survival is necessary and important. There is necessary work that is virtually meaningless to divine grace. That which is done related to common grace is likely to be rewarded in common grace, fulfilled in the meaning of wages or honors or even in fulfilling an inner human drive to work. There are two foundations related to work, one is lasting to heaven as seen in the gold, silver, precious stones analogy for foundations (V. 12). The wood, hay, stubble is analogy to the temporal, which will conclude so is to be destroyed – revealed by fire (V. 13). Scripture holds, as a basic presupposition, that there are two standards, both legitimate in their context, but one lasting. One is native to the natural life sojourn. It is good and needful for earth life, if it follows the principles related to it. However, it is unrelated to divine perpetuity, so will be ended – concluded at some point. At a final evaluation point it is treated as rubbish (ashes or garbage). It decayed with use and time related to temporality. There is no further use for it. What is done, related to the Kingdom of God, does not attach a natural benefit to it, except secondarily. If one, not understanding the two entities of nature and super-nature, does attach human reward to divine work, then that person has reward, so may forfeit ultimate award. Jesus made that clear in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:2). From current perceptions earth offers rewards, and heaven awards. Shifts in values during the eras in human society may need an adjustment of language terms.
Note above that any needed work is honored of God. That does not mean it is rewarded in any immortality to which we aspire. The apostle made clear that if able persons did not work they were not to be received among those who did work, when they gathered at the meal table of the church (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Duty for the responsibility in families is made vital in common grace, whether for pagans or persons of faith. All persons are, by creation, the physical children of God. They are, by acceptance of redemption, the spiritual children of God. The first relationship applies in any circumstance for all persons, the second only in the act of accepting the plan of God for adoption, which is immortal rescue. Reward, more correctly expressed in currency of language award, is the outcome of lasting work. That work relates to such matters as serving mankind to relieve suffering of any kind, or to devote time to prayer and Christian witness, to contribute in meaningful ways to improvement for life, to growth in valued conduct, and the like without materialistic motivation. Material accumulation, when harnessed, is part of common grace.
We are brought to the matter of designing the work habits of our lives. For Christians there is duty work, even making contribution subjectively to self, and carried over objectively to family, society, and some of it to the kingdom of God. Persons are sometimes casual, even cavalier, in the planning and energy given to the work of their lives. This is obvious and documented. Prospective issues become a major matter in the education of children. Those who decide rather early in their lives on their occupations and the proper preparation for them, tend to be happier with what their lives accomplish, when they are mature, than are those who cast about and did not accomplish quite what they imagined from life. There is an early idealism in young minds, usually prompted by conscience and instruction from elders, but often lost when violated and the years accumulate to some distraction. It is an important but short period in which to make challenge and commitment for life objectives – and for God. We need to be reminded from time to time that God has determined that serving his creation is service and obedience to him. Jesus said: Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40, 45) Some passages find the least among children. Work begins early in our lives. (Luke 9:48) *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020