Entrepreneurial Education: Work and Toil

By Matt Hannan, Faculty

"I find that for many, the 'good life' is fundamentally about doing as little as possible before death."

The dream for most people is to rest more than is good for us. I think this is tied into the fact that accomplishing things is difficult and ever since the garden we are cursed with toilsome labor. It is proper to resist toil, but the way in which humans resist evil is often sinful rather than redemptive, causing more hurt to ourselves and others in the end.

The Bible says that work is good, and that diligence and self-control are fruits of the Spirit in our lives. It must be that we need a new mindset towards work rather than to avoid it altogether. Let us reflect on the diligence of our Lord, Jesus, who perfectly worked although it was horrible. He despised much of what He had to do, but did it with diligence because His eyes were on the goal. He saw the joy of His work, the glorification of God, and the salvation of His people. The eternal perspective and selfless love enabled Him to endure anything.

He has unlocked for us this incredible truth: we can work, despite the hardships and the toil, for eternal purposes. A thing in itself might be unappealing, but the end goal is glorious. This applies to all aspects of our faith, including our daily work. We are called to do all things for the glory of God, and when we learn to do this joyfully, loving Him and others, what was once toilsome becomes a trial that we can overcome.