Tim Keller - Why Work Matters

Summary

The speaker explores the Christian perspective on work and vocation, emphasizing that all work matters to God and that God's influence is essential in our work. Drawing from Martin Luther's teachings, they argue against the division of spiritual and secular work, advocating for a holistic approach where every Christian's work is sacred. The talk also addresses balancing one's faith with their professional life, avoiding both triumphalism and withdrawal, and encourages community discussion to integrate faith into all aspects of work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Work is a matter of divine concern and has spiritual significance according to Christian beliefs.
• 🏛️ The medieval church and the radical Reformation both incorrectly divided work into 'spiritual' and 'secular' categories, suggesting only church work was holy.
• 🔄 Martin Luther proposed a middle way, emphasizing that all believers are priests and all work is sacred, a concept known as the 'priesthood of all believers'.
• 🌾 Luther highlighted that God could provide for humanity without human work but chose to involve people in the process, using work as a way to bless and involve them.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 God works through everyday tasks and professions, using human work as a means to provide for and care for humanity.
• 🛠️ All work, regardless of its nature or status in society, is dignified and valuable because it is a way of participating in God's work in the world.
• 🌐 The Christian faith should influence how individuals approach their work, affecting their motivation, relationships, and possibly even the nature of their work itself.
• ⚖️ There is a balance to be struck between 'triumphalism', where Christians aim to dominate society, and 'withdrawal', where they disengage from the world.
• 🎭 The impact of Christianity on work varies by field; it deeply affects some professions like writing or art, but may have less direct influence on others like manual labor.
• 🙏 The church should support and pray for all Christians in their work, not just those in traditional religious roles, recognizing the sacredness of all professions.

Q & A

What are the two main headings that help understand the Christian perspective on work and vocation?

The two main headings are: 'Why work matters to God' and 'Why God matters to your work'.

What was the medieval church's view on work and society?

The medieval church dominated society and created a Christian society, believing that true God's work was done inside the church.

How did the radical Reformation differ from the medieval approach to work and society?

The radical Reformation believed in withdrawal from society, suggesting that Christians should not engage in worldly activities such as voting or serving in the military, as the world was seen as Satan's domain.

What was Martin Luther's stance on the division of Christian work into spiritual and secular?

Martin Luther opposed the division of Christian work into spiritual and secular, arguing that all Christians are part of the spiritual estate and all work is God's work.

What does the term 'priesthood of all believers' signify according to Martin Luther?

The 'priesthood of all believers' signifies that all Christians are considered spiritual and there is no distinction between the clergy and the laity in terms of doing God's work.

How did Martin Luther interpret Psalm 147:13 in relation to work?

Luther interpreted Psalm 147:13 to mean that God involves humans in His work, similar to how a parent might involve a child in tasks to teach them responsibility and to be part of the family.

What does Luther mean when he says that work is a 'mask of God'?

Luther suggests that work is a 'mask of God' because it is through our work that God disguises Himself to provide for and love people.

How does belief in God affect how one works according to the script?

Belief in God affects one's work by influencing motivation, the way one deals with others, and often the manner in which work is performed.

What is the balance that the Redeemer Center for Faith and Work tries to strike?

The Redeemer Center for Faith and Work tries to strike a balance between triumphalism and withdrawal, ensuring that faith positively influences work without dominating society or withdrawing from it.

What is the significance of the statement 'God is loving you and distributing His gifts through work'?

This statement emphasizes that all work has divine significance and that God uses the work of humans to provide for and show love to others.

Why is community important in understanding what it means to be a Christian in one's work?

Community is important because it allows for the accumulation of wisdom and practical insights on how faith should influence work in various fields.