The first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." In that simple answer, the Westminster Divines penned a one-sentence correction to the unbiblical balance caused by man-centeredness and worldliness. God is the center of all things and our being finds its meaning as we find our place in relation to God and His will. PCA pastor Charles M. Garriott, in his book, Work Excellence: A Biblical Perspective of Work, has written a short, simple, and utterly Biblical work that keeps that perspective in focus as he presents a systematic study on the subject of work.
So often teaching on work focuses on those passages of Scripture that applaud diligence and honesty and condemn laziness and theft--and these verses should be heeded well. Yet, even the best and most honorable work habits will not honor God unless they are all given in service to Him, with the recognition that all that we have, including our talents, resources, and the rewards of our work, belong to Him. Teaching that focuses on these worthy verses, and yet ignore those which teach us that all that we do, we are to do to the glory of God, risk slipping into a mechanical legalism. Garriott does not make this mistake.
He writes in the preface:
"What may be good work to the world may be nothing more than 'filthy rags' in God's sight. If it's 'all about me,' and God's glory isn't seen in my work, I haven't met the Biblical standard of excellence: '...in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.' (I Peter 4:11B ESV)"
I found the book to be simple and straightforward, and yet quite profound. Garriott ends each chapter with questions written to encourage reflection, and I recommend that readers take the time to do that. Otherwise, this book could be easily zipped through without adequate digestion of its truths. Slow down and let this book sink in and change the way you think about your work.
The book is saturated with Scripture from beginning to end and will leave its thoughtful readers with thoroughly Biblical and God-centered view of work. Among the topics Garriott covers are diligence, purpose, finding our calling, rest and Sabbath-keeping, worship, God's presence with us as we work, God's will in relation to the fruit of our labors, and maintaining a faithful perspective during discouraging times. He presents role models from Scripture and from his own experience.
I recommend this book not only to adults, but also to teens. It is very accessible to the younger set. Homeschooling parents may want to assign this book and choose some of the reflection questions for short essay assignments in order to encourage thoughtful reading.
This book review is a part of the Diet of Bookworms project. You can find more reviews of this book here.
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