Working models
I once met someone who had inherited enough money never to have to work. The arguments of past centuries about what not to do on Sunday had little relevance for them. In fact, if they thought about it, they could claim to be living one long holy Sabbath!
But the underlying assumption of the fourth commandment is that human beings work. Back in Genesis 1:28 is the command: 'Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule... over every living creature... I give you every green plant for food.' That really does involve a lot of work, mutually beneficial, co-operative work for the benefit of the community.
Paul reminded the Thessalonians that he had worked very hard when he was with them so that he could pay for his food. It appeared that some believers were not working, perhaps because they expected the Lord's return pretty soon and wanted to spend their time being 'spiritual'. Paul's message to them had been, 'Anyone unwilling to work should not eat'.
So work in its widest definition is what human beings should be doing, with, of course, obvious exceptions. Work is about fulfilment, satisfaction, and the use of our talents. Work provides us with challenges and rewards. Work teaches us cooperation and teamwork. Work makes it possible for us to provide for ourselves, our families and neighbours, all that we need for our flourishing. We work under the Lordship of the Creator to run his world for the best.
But, it is not just the 'lucky' few with no need to work, who are left out of this picture. The twists and turns of a fallen and corrupt world, the deliberate and inadvertent exploitation of others, the godless ideologies that have shaped the labour of millions, have given work a very bad name.
So, we should be grateful where our work does fulfil some of these criteria; challenged where we have the power to change things; patient where work is seriously uncongenial and unavoidable; and supportive and encouraging of the work done by those around us at work, at home and in our churches.
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