When it comes to work, what constitutes a useful vocation? Is the validity of our work measured by our ability to bring in dollars with it? Does a Christian’s work need to be “useful ,” and by what standard is it deemed useful?
Driving a truck, being a nurse, and building furniture are all undoubtedly useful. What about being a social media influencer? Is that useful? Is gaming the SEO algorithm to produce click-farming content for doomscrollers a useful vocation? It may bring in money (even lots of it), but does it profit others?
It seems to me that social media has given rise to a the ability for a whole lot of people to produce “content” that isn’t really useful in itself, except for the fact that it gets the creator likes and shares. They aren’t creating useful goods or services. Or are they? Does this get to fall under the monolith of “entertainment?”
In 1 Thes 4:11-12, Paul instructs believers to “work with their hands.” We established on another thread long ago that this verse ought not be read too literally, as there is much honest and useful work done in the works that doesn’t building physical things or menial labor. Nonetheless, is it fair to say that the Bible instructs that we are to ensure that the work we’re engaged in is sincere labor, not just a get rich scheme? What moral obligations do we have to ensure that our work is legitimately profitable to others, and not just ourselves?
What does God require of us as to what our vocation is to be?
Modern economics defines value as what people are willing to pay for. That’s not sufficient for Christians with a doctrine of the Fall and corruption of the will.
SEO dopamine-hit manipulation content exploits others. Encourages laziness and shallow addiction to screens. Does God call anyone to make money by trapping others in idleness and frivolity? Of course not.
A legitimate vocation can be done to the glory of God. “Vocation,” not just work, but “calling.”
Profitable to others means making their lives better. Means ultimately, what you’re doing has the capacity to cause godly men and women to give thanks to God for a good thing.
Some questions reading the above. Was tentmaking the Apostle Paul’s vocation or avocation? Surely not his calling, right?
Is typing working with my hands? Smile.
I’m not sure the right way to approach the questions above is by talking about work as much as talking about death of reading, death of books, death of talking to one another (texting doesn’t rise to the level of meaning exchange or relationship or intimacy in my book), etc.
I wonder if influencers aren’t just admen of 30 years ago. Madison Avenue.
This is a difficult topic in many ways. I work in the service side of commercial construction. I think most people would consider that “useful” work in the way you outlined above. However, I’ve seen people in my industry upsell without need, misrepresent their services, materials, or warranties, and there have been times I’ve been tempted to do so myself.
This is why I prefer to ask whether or not the work is “honest.” I’ll admit this poses a number of similar questions, but I think it get’s to something that “useful” doesn’t necessarily.
Are you honest in your dealings? Do you give an honest day’s work for an honest dollar? Do you treat your employer/employee/customer etc. honestly, fulfilling your side of the bargain as honestly as you are able? Is your profession or vocation stealing by definition?
Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work (Prov. 16:11)
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight (Prov. 11:1)
Bread gained by deceit is sweet, but afterwards the mouth will be full of gravel (Prov. 20:17)
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. (Prov. 21:6)