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The Gospel at Work: How the gospel gives purpose and meaning to our jobs by Sebastian Traeger and Gilbert Greg
How would your relationship with Jesus influence your attitude towards work? Is there a relationship between your faith and your work? In this short book published in 2014, Sebastian Traeger and Gilbert Greg seek to bridge the gap between our faith and the work place. They carefully discuss the complexities of work — the dilemmas Christians have concerning work and practical ways they can put the gospel in practice at the work place.
They book starts on a high note, explaining why sometimes we find work difficult. Like everything else, it is because both we and the work around us are affected by the Fall. What was initially good became painful and sometimes difficult, yet God desires faithfulness and productivity at work.
Many Christians have found themselves in the trap of having a wrong view of work, especially looking at it as a means of earning an income. The end result may be one idolising work or idling at work.
The idolatry is when pursuit of enjoyment or influence at work becomes one’s satisfaction and they start viewing work as irreplaceable. Their career consumes every free moment of their lives resulting in other priorities such as family and church languishing.
Idleness is when one is unwilling to see or embrace God’s purpose in the work he has. Such people see work as a necessary evil and work becomes laborious, easily leading to idleness and boredom.
Both idolatry and idleness are sinful views/ approaches to work.
In the second part of the book, the authors unpack the complexities of the modern workplace, addressing common dilemmas and challenges individuals face in maintaining their faith while striving for professional success. Some of these include choosing a job; balancing between work, church and family; how to handle difficult bosses and coworkers and how to share the gospel at work.
The authors emphasize the importance of viewing work through the lens of Christian values and beliefs. They encourage readers to see their jobs not merely as a means of earning a living but as an opportunity to live out their faith and glorify God even in those jobs we don’t like because it is scriptural to do so (Colossians 3:22-24).
One of the strengths of this book is its practicality. It does not leave the reader floating and wondering — so what or how does this relate to me? The authors have shared their own experiences, struggles and how they overcame, making the book actionable.
It also has reflective questions that help the reader to slow down and think through what has been written, thus having the message not just in the mind but the heart as well.
Readers ought to have an open mind to clearly understand and see that work is a good thing and can be used to glorify God. I would happily recommend this book to those who may be struggling to find meaning in their work. It is worth your time.
