Recently a friend told me, “I feel like my job is a drain on my soul.” His words describe how many people feel today. In The Burnout Society, Byung-Chul Han observes how modern life has turned us into “achievement-subjects.” He explains, “The achievement-subject competes with itself; it succumbs to the destructive compulsion to outdo itself over and over, to jump over its own shadow.” In our desperation to maximize productivity, he argues, we’ve become a society defined by voluntary self-exploitation. Achievement addiction has led to emotional exhaustion. Today, many are ashamed of their failure to advance in their careers, frustrated over being underpaid, or bored from long hours of menial tasks. Maybe you’re afraid because of your industry’s direction, or perhaps you wonder if your work is valuable. In the malaise of modern work, God offers us a hopeful alternative. First Thessalonians 4:9–12 presents a theology of work rooted in divine love, quiet ambition, and missional living. Expression of Divine Love In verse 9, Paul praises the Thessalonian believers for their “brotherly love.” But he still offers a subtle critique. In verses 10–11, he tells them to love one another “more and more” through their work. Paul goes further in 2 Thessalonians 3, rebuking some in the church who refused to have a job. At the heart of the Thessalonians’ dysfunctional work ethic is a misunderstanding of God’s love, which is the source of and standard for our work. In our desperation to maximize productivity, we’ve become a society defined by voluntary self-exploitation. Seeing work as a response to and expression of God’s love can reshape the way we approach our careers. Derek Thompson describes Americans as “adherents to a cult of productivity and achievement.” He calls this a cult of “workism.” We expect our careers to provide all we need—not only financial stability but also relationships, purpose, and even self-expression. We define ourselves by our work. Christianity offers a more satisfying alternative. Because God loves and has worked for us, we’ve received the strength and example we need to love others through our work. Scripture often refers to God as a worker—a builder (Heb. 11:10), physician (Luke 5:31), shepherd (John 10:1), and vinedresser (15:1). He’s lovingly at work to renew us and the world. In our vocations, we get to be agents of this renewal. We can serve the marginalized, offer to mentor someone younger in our field, or respond to a child’s tantrum with grace. Our work gives us the opportunity to show God’s compassion as we pursue the good of those around us. Quiet Ambition Paul also commands the Thessalonian believers, “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands” (1 Thess. 4:11). Aspiring to live quietly, or having quiet ambition, puts together two ideas we often separate. This apparent oxymoron is a potent subversion of the American dream. Modern work often involves constantly comparing ourselves with others. We feel the pressure to make more, work harder, and climb faster than our peers. God, by contrast, offers a path to contentment: “Mind your own affairs” (v. 11). Paul didn’t tell the Thessalonians to achieve more by pursuing fame, influence, and wealth; he told them to quietly focus their passion on the work right in front of them. Instead of being jealous about a coworker’s promotion, idolizing your boss’s approval, or endlessly comparing yourself with your LinkedIn network, you’re free to humbly accept the work God has given you. God offers contentment not through career accolades or a six-figure salary but through a quiet vocation faithfully submitted to Jesus. Missional Living According to Paul, a person with quiet ambition will be able to “walk properly before outsiders” (v. 12). Our work is a testimony to the world about God. When we think about how to apply our faith to work, we may think first about being generous with our resources and sharing the gospel in the workplace. While both are essential, what if we viewed work itself as a way to display God’s glory to the lost? As Dorothy Sayers writes, “What the Church should be telling [an intelligent carpenter] is this: that the very first demand that his religion makes upon him is that he should make good tables.” High-quality work proclaims God’s creative excellence to the world. Consider how the early church transformed multiple societal spheres through their distinctly Christian approach to work. They created the first public hospitals, introduced the legal concept of human rights, and invented social welfare that provided for the poor. God used their unique testimony to convert the Roman Empire. What would it look like if we approached our careers in the same way? If you’re a manager, inspire your employees to work hard by exemplifying Christlike servant leadership. If you’re a social worker, use theological and clinical insights to heal your clients’ wounds. If you’re a parent, model the Father’s love by sacrificially nurturing your child. Every meeting, conversation, and decision is a chance to embody Christ’s Word and work to those around you. Hope of Renewal The gospel we proclaim is the hope that fuels our vocations. In verses 13–18, Paul describes the day when Jesus will return to fully renew the world. He’ll heal the ache we all feel. All will be made right through his work. When Jesus returns to fully renew the world, he’ll heal the ache we all feel. All will be made right through his work. The restoration of work is made possible through Christ’s death and resurrection. On the cross, Jesus took our shame, arrogance, overwork, and laziness so we could be forgiven. Christians receive Christ’s love not because of our performance but because of his. And as recipients of grace, we get to join God in his work of restoring creation. Work can be consuming and painful. But because of Christ, we don’t work for an identity but from one. Let’s embrace our vocations and work with Christ to bring renewal to an exhausted world.