How Do I Flourish in Work?

Tonight, I read an article on the topic of work called "Human Flourishing." It helped me consider my thoughts and attitudes toward work both at my job and school. Danielle Sallade, a staff member at Princeton Evangelical Fellowship, wrote the article. Here's the link: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/06/07/danielle-sallade-on-human-flourishing/

In the essay Danielle defines a flourishing life as "a life that both goes well and is lived well" (1). Since she works with college students, she is able to observe the life patterns of students, and she concludes that pressure in the educational setting deprives students of this flourishing life. So many of these gifted individuals work without regard for sleep, relationships or enjoyment. As a result, these students can "either be caught up in frenzied activity or overwhelmed by their lives and thus unable to do anything. The pressure in their lives keeps them from flourishing as God intended" (4). Why is this the case?

Here is her outline:

1. The Culture of Busyness: 

A culture built on a self-centered concept of success, living in a competition mindset.This leads to three mistakes:

1. We wrongly value certain types of work over others.
2. We place our identity in our work and seek justification through our work.
3. We work as if we were independent operators, solely responsible for our daily provision, forgetting that God is our ultimate provider.

1.1 Value in All Types of Work -

The focus changes from loving work to loving the results of work (e.g. money). Work becomes a means to an end, but God values work as an end in itself (not the ultimate end though as we will see later).

1.2 Value in All Types of Work—by Design

Work is not a result of the fall but designed by God. Danielle teaches that "how we work is as important as what we produce...God is glorified by work because we can do it with an eye to pleasing him" (10).

1.3 Value in All Types of Work—by Example

Danielle draws a provoking reference by Tim Keller in this section:

"When our Savior came to earth, he did not come as a philosopher, nor as a noble statesman, nor as a powerful military general, but he came as a carpenter...this was the one who would save the world" (11).

2. Identity in Work

If you make work and achievements your foundation for meaning, you will feel the pressure, anxiety, and even emptiness from something God never intended to satisfy. Rather, God's glory is the end (ultimate or even chief end).

2.1 Identity in Christ

As believers, we have "soul resting" peace that results in our position before God through justification. Our meaning "is rooted in the dignity of our image-bearing through creation and in our union with Christ through our redemption" (13). We are already "approved." 

2.2. Work That Flows Out of Identity in Christ

We are slaves! I love this statement: "Our primary purpose as a slave is extending Christ's kingdom. And when our main focus in life is our duty to Christ, we are free from being overly preoccupied with our specific jobs" (14). This slavery sets one free from the burdens of the sole responsibility being on you. God supplies your needs.

3. Depending on God in our Work

Remember that your gifts are just that--gifts. They are gifts from God, and this loving God promises to protect you. Christ reminds us that we cannot add to our life by worrying, so instead, depend on God.

3.1 Sabbath

This concept is one that I wish to work on, that is, finding a time to rest during the week (e.g. Saturday or Sunday). She doesn't limit this to just Saturday or Sunday, but rather, she focuses on the concept of resting for a day on a weekly basis.

1. This rest brings us to "recognize [God's] sovereignty over the work" (18).
2. This weekly rest also helps us turn our eyes to God (rather than keep them on our work and accomplishment). This is the worship of God.

3.2 Focus on Faithfulness

The goal of work is not money, achievement or fame, but it is faithfulness and fidelity to God through obedience. "God values faithfulness to himself above all else..." (22).

4. Conclusion

Final implications (Taken almost directly from the article)

1. Since God values all types of work, students can be confident in developing their interests and gifts, learning how they can use them to serve others and redeem culture.
2. Students who serve Christ as their primary focus know that how they work with integrity and excellence is more important than the measured results of their work.
3. As these students pursue their careers, they focus on laying up treasure in heaven through their profession.
4. Students are confident that God will provide for today's and tomorrow's needs, giving them peace about the future.

Check out this article!