In the opening chapter, Lennox dives into the story of Genesis 1-2, where God sets up a beautiful rhythm of Creation and Sabbath, work and rest. Throughout this chapter, Lennox advocates for the Christian’s call into work as God works in creation, but also argues for a healthy work-rest rhythm.
In chapters 2-3, Lennox presents the proper motivations for work, and uses Jesus and Peter’s interaction in Luke 5 as an example of seeking God’s Kingdom in work. Regarding motivation, Lennox looks towards the Sermon on the Mount to expose the underlying principles of investment, perception, and who work is done unto as motivations for Christian work.
Luke 5 records the miracle wherein Jesus commands Peter, frustrated after an unsuccessful night of fishing, to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. No doubt Peter is skeptical. He is, after all, the fisherman here. What does Jesus know about catching fish? Regardless, Peter responds, “But, at your word, I will let down my nets” (Luke 5:5). Observing this, Lennox makes some fascinating statements, “…the only reasons [Peter] let down the nets was because Jesus commanded it… That is, for the first time in his life, so far as we know, that he was going to work, not to catch fish, but simply because Christ the King told him to go. He was seeking Christ’s rule in his life” (63). What a word for us today! Lennox asks, “When was the last time you and I went to work with an active sense that the Lord was sending us there?” (63). Here is where Lennox’s book shines the brightest. Regardless of where one’s paycheck is from, Christians are called to seek God’s Kingdom in and through their work. It is the Lord who calls us to it. Therefore, we work in the way of Christ. For the remainder of the chapter, Lennox offers practical insights on conducting work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
In chapter 4, Lennox argues that there is no such thing as a “sacred/secular divide.” All work, regardless if it is paid or not, regardless if it is for a Christian organization or not, regardless if it is white collar or blue collar, is valuable to the Lord. Chapters 5-6 explore the importance of “gospel patrons” fueling the work of the Kingdom, and principles of wealth management from Jesus’ parables and interactions in Luke’s gospel. In the last chapter, Lennox explores the biblical theme of reward at the judgment seat of Christ, and how this should impact the work we do today.
Here are some standout quotes from the book:
- “No, what we are talking about is seeking God’s rule in the work itself, by doing it as for Him. For God is interested in who we are and our motivation for it, much more than in what we do. His desire is to mould our character.” (52)
- “The concept of full-time [Christian] work is a dangerously misleading idea since it might be taken to mean that there is such a thing as part-time Christian work. It then sets up the artificial secular-sacred divide (SSD) that is endemic within the church and ultimately has a limiting effect on the reach of the gospel message… It was SSD that prompted a businessman to say ‘the church appreciates my tithe, but not the enterprise that gave rise to it.’” (86-87)
- “The fact that our work not only has a temporal but also an eternal significance is one of the unique glories of the Christian faith… it should also be a source of great wonder and encouragement to us that God is interested in our work.” (147)
A Good Return: Biblical Principles for Work, Wealth, and Wisdom serves as a great introduction to the biblical perspectives on work and stewardship. For those new to the subject, Lennox provides foundational principles crucial to the subject. For those well versed in the conversation, Lennox offers a unique perspective to familiar concepts and utilizes biblical texts not often cited in the theology of work. Every Christian who wants to think well about work would benefit from Lennox’s wisdom on the subject.
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