What does the Bible say about work?
The Bible has a ton to say about work and work ethic. God created humans to work alongside Him in the world from the beginning. It's a part of how God fulfills us in 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). That said, there's no biblical reason to believe that it would be a sin for teens to work a part time job while also going to school.
So if you're working now or want to find a job while you're still in school, then yay for that! If you're trying to get a job to save up for something like college or a car, those are great goals.
Biblical Principles about Work
The Bible teaches us about the purpose of work and how we can make it a part of living our lives in a Christlike way. If you're a student with a job, then this applies to both school and your place of employment—no matter where it is:
- Be of Benefit: Your efforts at your job should benefit both you and the people around you (Exodus 23:10-11; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Ephesians 4:28).
- Be Grateful for the Opportunity: God has given you the opportunity to have this job at this time in your life and the ability to do it. This is a gift of blessing from your Creator to you (Psalm 104:1-35; 127:1-5; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, 5:18-20; Proverbs 14:23).
- Be Patient as You Grow: God will give you the tools, experience, or skills you need to do your work (Exodus 31:2-11)—even if it seems like a long process to get there. Be patient and forgiving with yourself as you learn.
A Biblical Work Perspective
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 as a student or employee—getting praised by your teachers or your boss should not be the sole source of your sense of significance. Nor should you let failure or rejection at work define who you are as a person.
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 experiences are not the definition of who we are.
Is there any reason NOT to work while I'm going to school?
If you want to work, the only reasons that you might want to avoid getting a job while you go to school are:
- If your parents have said that they do not want you to work while you go to school. Colossians 3:20 says to "obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." So they really have the final say.
- If having a job negatively interferes with schoolwork and/or causes you to sin. As a student, learning is your most important "job," and as Christians, we should be committed to doing our job well. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "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." And of course, if the job is illegal, operating illegally, or otherwise causes you to sin, then that's not the job for you.
- If it's against the law for you to work. In some parts of the world or due to certain city ordinances, there may be limitations about what time of day, at what age, and in what area a person can legally work. We should do our best to follow the laws of our governments (Romans 13:1).
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 you to a job that's right for you. As you live as student and employee, remember this advice:
"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." —Colossians 3:24-25
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TL;DR
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."
Writer/Editor: Catiana (Cat)
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 Cat is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two adult kids, six socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
