
Work and Worship — Part 1
Avodah: Worship
I am sure we all are familiar with the terms worship music, worship service, worship center, etc. Nowadays we even have worship pastors who lead singing when we gather. On the other hand, by work, we mean our job, profession or business. So, isn’t it natural to think that worship happens on Sunday and work happens from Monday till Saturday?
So then, what has work to do with worship? I am sure you are not completely clueless about it. In India, we are familiar with the phrase “Service to humanity is service to God”. Ok, we understand charity, but what about business? Does the Bible have to say anything about it? Yes but, for that, we need a fresh perspective.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word behind the English words work, worship, and service is Avodah from the root word Abad. In the New Testament, its closest word is Latreuo.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it (Avodah) and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15)
“But as for me and my household, we will serve (Avodah) the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) And also (Colossians 3:23,24)
Unlike us today, Jews then were called to live all of life in the presence of God. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4,5)
In the same way when Jesus became Lord of my life. He is not involved only in my spiritual or church life. My emotional, professional, intellectual, physical, sexual, relational, financial, imaginative life comes under his lordship. So, whether I am making a meal, playing with my children, or designing at work, it ought to be all Avodah to my God.
Avodah is a picture of integrated faith. It also suggests that our work can be a form of worship where we honor God and serve our neighbors.
Unfortunately, I did not know this when I became a follower of Jesus. I thought God’s work is only church work or mission work. I was told that God is only concerned about my spiritual life so, evangelism and church work became sacred work and the rest, secular work. They told me that there is no eternal value in education, work, marriage, family, business, etc. So I did not concentrate on my studies as I should. This separation dishonours God. I regret today for losing so many years without knowing God’s vision for my vocation and worship.
I want to encourage you to grasp this truth from God’s word early in your walk with our Lord. Not only just learn but with the help of his Spirit, work, worship and serve God in every moment. Let us learn this together in the following parts of this series.
1.Avodah: Worship | 2.Avodah in Eden: Priesthood | 3.Avodah in Slavery: Idolatry | 4.Avodah in Rest: Sabbath | 5.Avodah in Exile: Common good | 6.Avodah in Christ: Reconciliation | 7.Avodah in New Jerusalem: Shalom
‘Work and Worship’ is a 7 part devotional published by Christian Institute of Management. Management Devotional 2020 is a collection 365 devotionals by 52 authors on different topics. You can order the devotional on Amazon.in.
