Going about our Father’s business Luke 2:49 WORK MATTERS Going about our Father’s business Luke 2:49

HOW DO WE THINK ABOUT WORK? RIGHT PERSPECTIVE RIGHT THINKING RIGHT BEHAVIOURS Transforming how we think about work … and being transformed by how we think about work!

OVERVIEW A new perspective A new mindset New behaviours!

WORK MATTERS TO GOD In the beginning … was work! “By the seventh day God had finished the work that he was doing, so he rested from all his work” Genesis 2:2 “My Father is always at his work, to this very day, and I too am working” John 5:17

Work is central to our life’s endeavour WORK MATTERS TO US Work is central to our life’s endeavour

… but sometimes work can be less than satisfying! WORK CAN CHALLENGE US … but sometimes work can be less than satisfying!

HOW DO WE THINK ABOUT WORK?

WHY DO I WORK? Financial Social/Relational Personal satisfaction Sense of achievement Vocational/Career Need for purpose

RE-THINKING HOW WE THINK ABOUT WORK!

6 WAYS TO THINK ABOUT WORK All are legitimate ways of thinking about work Some will resonate more than others Find your sweet spot! Work is about earning a wage so that we can sustain ourselves and not be a burden

SOME WAYS TO THINK ABOUT WORK Redeeming Work We are called to be “Salt and Light” - to bring a touch of the kingdom to the workplace Matt 5:13-16 Work is Worship

SOME WAYS TO THINK ABOUT WORK Work as calling A real sense that we are doing what God wants us to do. The passion and purpose of being in God’s pathway. Work is Worship

SOME WAYS TO THINK ABOUT WORK Work as Worship A recognition that “whatever we do, we do it for the Lord.” Col 3:23

SOME WAYS TO THINK ABOUT WORK Good steward of your talents Work is about being a good steward of your talent and potential Work is about being a good steward

SOME WAYS TO THINK ABOUT WORK Earning a living Work is about earning a living, and contributing to society See Acts 18:3, 1 Thes 2:9 Work is about earning a wage so that we can sustain ourselves and not be a burden

SOME WAYS TO THINK ABOUT WORK Work as Service Work is about earning a wage so that we can sustain ourselves and not be a burden It’s relational and an expression of love for our neighbour “ We are the fingers of God” Martin Luther

INTEGRATING OUR THINKING

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS THE INTEGRATED MODEL FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS WORK ME Work is all about one life that is wholly under the lordship of Christ GOD Work is all about one life that is wholly under the Lordship of Christ RECREATION CHURCH

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS THE INTEGRATED MODEL WORK FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS Work is all about one life that is wholly under the lordship of Christ ME GOD But have we put God in a box? RECREATION CHURCH

SECULAR WORK SACRED WORK Our craft ... is (also) our spiritual gifting! “The Lord said … see I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge … to engage in all kinds of craftmanship.” Ex 31:1-7

HOW WE THINK ABOUT WORK … MATTERS! RIGHT PERSPECTIVE RIGHT THINKING RIGHT BEHAVIOURS May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us, may he establish the work of our hands for us, yes establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

WORK MATTERS! “Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.” Amen