There is nothing the Bible to suggest that it would be a sin to work a part time job while you are going to school. So if you are working now or want to find a job while you're still in school, yay for that! If you are trying to get a job to save up for something like college or a car, that's a great goal.
God created humans to work alongside Him in the world from the beginning. It's a part of how God fulfills us life. The Garden of Eden was the first place where man was called to work (Genesis 2:8, 15). If you are attending school, your "job," at this point in your life, is to be a student and do the best you can at that endeavor, representing Christ right where you are (1 Corinthians 11:1). And if you also have a job with an employer or other organization, that's perfectly all right.
The Bible has a lot to say about the purpose of work and why it's a part of living our lives in a Christlike way. If you are a student with a job, then this applies to both school and where you work, no matter where it is:
Remember that your self-worth and identity are rooted in Christ and the person God made you to be. While it's OK to be proud of your work—whether in school or in your job—getting praised by your teachers or your employer should not be the sole source of your sense of significance.
In Ecclesiastes 2:4-11, King Solomon talks about trying to find the meaning of life through projects and work. Even though he was able to feel somewhat satisfied by a job well done, his final conclusion was this: "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."
Our true value can only be found in our identity in Christ. It is only because of God that we have opportunities to accomplish anything at all (Philippians 4:13). Keep that perspective! Yes, work is good. Doing excellent work is awesome. But it's not everything there is to life. And our accomplishments are not the definition of who we are.
The only reasons that you might want to avoid getting a job while you go to school are:
If none of these things are standing in the way of you getting a job, then you are free to do so! If it is His will, may God lead your way to the right job for you. As you work your job as student and employee, remember this advice from Colossians 3:24-25, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
The Bible has a lot to say about work and would, generally, allow student to work a part-time job while attending school. Doing well at any job is an important aspect of living out your faith as a Christian. The only reasons you may not want to work are if your parents have said no, the job interferes with schoolwork, or if it is against the law for you to work. If none of these things are standing in the way of getting a job, then you are free to do so! As you work your job as student and employee, remember this advice from Colossians 3:24-25, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
