Pastor Timothy Keller continues his discussion of God’s design for work in Chapter 1 of Every Good Endeavor by stating that to see work in our design is part of what it means to “grasp the distinct Christian understanding of freedom.” He notes that our modern society tends to see freedom as the complete absence of constraints. That, he adds, is like a fish being “freed” from the “constraints” of breathing oxygenated water and being put on grass to explore, taking oxygen from the air. In reality, this fish is not more free, but less free. Pastor Keller continues with his definition of freedom:
“Freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as finding the right ones, those that fit with the realities of our own nature and those of the world.”
Thus the commandments of God in the Bible truly are a means of liberation. Through them God has called us to be what He designed us to be. Work, in rhythm with rest, is part of the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:9). This command is not burdensome, but an invitation to freedom as we obey and honor God. Our journey toward healing and revisioning/revitalizing God’s calling for our lives certainly is a God-honoring response to that command.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The idolatry of work”
