Workaholism, however, may actually be a sign of sloth, rather than service; focusing solely on one’s occupation logically entails subverting other culture-making priorities such as realized in family, friendship, community service, self-care, and perhaps above all, corporate worship and other key spiritual disciplines. We know that human work can become evil and idolatrous—even incurring divine judgment (Genesis 11:1-9). Nevertheless, Christ-followers are called to embrace occupational work as initiated by God for human benefit and blessing; thus, we ought to receive it with gratitude, leading to heartfelt worship.
While many of our human activities are intended for the benefit of one another, we recognize self-centeredness and ulterior motives sometimes distort this goal, thanks to humankind’s fallenness. Nevertheless, we are given the mandate to work for the sake of others, and this is especially clear in terms of New Covenant teaching. For instance, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others,” (Philemon 2:3-4, NIV).
Our occupational work, then, ultimately serves as a kind of microcosm or mirror of our engagement with the broader culture-making priorities of the Kingdom. The question remains as to how (not if) our preparation and work are impacting others — beyond the university.
Read more theology and ministry blogs and learn about degree programs offered by GCU's College of Theology today.