Redeeming Work: The Individual-Part 1

This is the first of a four-episode series on redeeming work.  The basic thesis is that we can redeem work only if we love the work we do for its own sake AND love those associated with our work—those we work with and work for.  The first two episodes will focus on the individual while the last two will address the contributions that the institution plays.

Overall human flourishing both in and outside of work is a necessary precondition to redeeming work.  Living a balanced, multidimensional harmonious life oriented to the basic goods is essential to give us the resiliency and equip us to love our work and love the people with it.  The fast-paced lifestyle that most of us live needs to be reined in to restore balance.  Restoring the concept of a sabbath rest is crucial to this.  

The root of self-transcendence is vital for us to transcend our own thoughts, emotions, and desires—our attitudes--to embrace and love our work for its own sake and the people with it. 

Work being a basic good is not only a philosophical but also a theological concept.  God does work through creation while the work of Christ is a redeeming one.  Our work should be either a creative or a redemptive work.  Making new things or ideas are examples of the first while restoring or making broken things whole are examples of redemptive work.

Being mindful through our thoughts, speech, and action is important to ensure that we focus on the internal excellence of our work for its own sake and this mindfulness is an important counterweight to any lesser and potentially destructive goals.

References

Man’s Search for Meaning by Dr. Viktor Frankl.  A nice summary is given in this link

Mike Rowe has a nice summary of his insight on this video while I got some of his quotes from a Forbes interview

Margin by Dr. Richard Swenson is a great book revealing and reminding us of the dangers of a fast-paced life.

Creation Regained by Professor Albert M. Wolters.  Brief review of the book here while a more technical and detailed one is here

Article on intrinsic versus extrinsic goals by Drs. Vansteenkiste, Lens and Deci published in the journal “Educational Psychologist” in March of 2006

Flourish by Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman

E-mail for comments and questions at: Rootsofflourishing@gmail.com