25-0702wc Transcript

Teacher: Scott Reynolds

(0:04) We’re on the second part of tour 11, Labor, Created to Create, reframing the work in a (0:13) biblical worldview and culture that often dreads Monday morning and celebrates, thank God, it’s (0:19) Friday, work is frequently viewed as a burden, a necessary evil to endure for a paycheck. (0:28) Yet the Truth Project Lesson 11, Labor, Created to Create, from focus on the family’s biblical (0:33) worldview curriculum, offers a transformative perspective. (0:39) Led by Dr. Dale Tackett, this lesson challenges Christians to see labor not as a curse, (0:46) but as a divine privilege rooted in God’s creative nature.

(0:52) And labor is a reflection of God’s nature. (0:54) The lesson begins by reframing labor as a core element of God’s design for humanity. (1:02) In Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 through chapter 2 verse 3, God is depicted as the original worker, (1:11) creating the world in six days and declaring it good, actually very good, in Genesis chapter 1 (1:19) verse 31.

(1:21) As beings made in his image, Genesis 1, 26 and 27, humans are endowed with creativity and tasked (1:29) with stewarding creation. (1:32) And the importance of the labor sphere, labor is described as the engine room of culture, (1:38) producing all material goods, food, clothing, shelter that sustains society. (1:44) Yet this sphere also has the potential for evil, producing harmful products like pornography, (1:51) illicit drugs, when not guided by biblical ethics.

(1:55) This duality highlights the need for Christians to approach work with a godly worldview, (2:03) ensuring that labor aligns with God’s purposes. (2:07) The lesson frames labor, as we’ll soon see, as a relational sphere like family, church, and state (2:15) with a triune structure reflecting God’s nature. (2:19) The structure involves God, the ultimate owner of all resources, (2:24) we steward God’s goods with accountability to him, and then workers who operate under (2:30) this owner’s authority, contributing to productivity and welfare.

(2:36) These relationships are governed by scripture principles, for example Ephesians 6, 5 through 9, (2:44) and emphasize mutual respect and responsibilities. (2:48) Employers must treat workers fairly, while employees are called to work diligently, (2:53) reflecting a biblical work ethic. (2:57) There are six biblical economic principles that Dr. Taka brings out, and they are, (3:04) number one, all things belong to God, Psalm 24, 1. (3:09) The earth and everything in it are God’s.

(3:11) Materialism, driven by the lie that possessions bring satisfaction, contradicts this truth. (3:19) Christians must view themselves as stewards, not owners of God’s resources. (3:24) Number two, God appointed man as a creative steward with ownership rights, Ephesians 6, (3:31) 5 through 9. (3:32) Stewardship involves managing God’s goods with authority and accountability.

(3:37) Economics is defined as the management of God’s resources, requiring employers and employees (3:46) to act with integrity and mutual respect. (3:50) Number three, theft and coveting are wrong, Exodus chapter 20, verse 15 and 17. (3:59) Respecting others' property is foundational to biblical economics, countering greed and (4:04) entitlement.

(4:06) Number four, skills and abilities come from God, Exodus 30, 5, verses 30 through 35. (4:15) Talent, such as artistic or technical skills or divine gifts, to be used for God’s glory (4:21) and the benefit of others. (4:23) Number five, work is profitable, good, and to be pursued, laziness is not, Proverbs 10, (4:31) 4 and chapter 14, 23.

(4:35) A strong work ethic is a biblical virtue, while idleness leads to poverty and dishonors (4:42) God’s design. (4:43) Number six, love God, not your goods, Matthew 6, 24. (4:50) Wealth must not become an idol.

(4:53) Devotion to God takes precedence over material possessions. (4:56) And number seven, be compassionate and generous to those in need, Deuteronomy 15, 7 through (5:03) 11. (5:04) Labor generates wealth and should be used to help the poor, reflecting God’s heart for (5:11) compassion.

(5:14) Okay, so be compassionate and generous to those in need, Deuteronomy 15, 7 through 11. (5:19) Labor generates wealth that should be used to help the poor, reflecting God’s heart for (5:25) compassion. (5:26) Okay, these principles provide a framework for Christians to navigate the economic aspect (5:33) of labor.

(5:35) A significant emphasis of lesson 11 is the labor sphere’s responsibility to address (5:42) poverty. (5:43) While Scripture mandates compassion for the poor, Proverbs 14, 31, Matthew 25, 35 through (5:51) 40, Dr. Tackett argues that this responsibility falls primarily on the labor sphere, not the (5:59) state. (6:00) Businesses and employers should create job opportunities to empower the poor, fostering (6:07) dignity and self-sufficiency rather than dependency on welfare.

(6:13) This perspective may spark debate as it challenges reliance on government programs and (6:19) emphasizes private initiative rooted in biblical compassion. (6:25) By providing work, the labor sphere can meet physical needs while affirming the value of (6:32) every individual as a contributor to society. (6:36) And then the arts and media, just a couple more things and then we’ll start the video.

(6:41) Arts and media shaping culture for God’s glory is an extension of creative labor. (6:48) The lesson explores the arts and media which wields significant cultural influence. (6:54) Dr. Tackett cites Dr. Francis Schaeffer’s observation, whoever controls the media controls (7:02) the culture.

(7:04) In a world saturated with media, Christians must engage this sphere to counter secular (7:11) narratives and promote God’s truth. (7:14) The lesson emphasizes that beauty and art and media should align with God’s standard of (7:20) goodness and truth. (7:22) Psalm 101 verse 3 says, I will set before my eyes no vile thing.

(7:30) This counters cultural relativism which denies absolute standards for beauty. (7:37) Christians are called to create and consume media that glorifies God, embodying the principle (7:45) of soli deo gloria, for God’s glory alone. (7:51) Historically championed by artists like Bach, whether in film, music, or visual arts, (7:58) believers can shape culture by producing work that reflects God’s character and values.

(8:03) Then we can consume those products. (8:05) All right, practical applications and challenges. (8:10) Lesson 11 challenges participants to rethink their attitude towards work.

(8:15) The cultural PGIF mindset may make some feel convicted, but facilitators are encouraged (8:22) to inspire joy in labor rather than guilt. (8:27) The lesson’s emphasis on job creation as a solution to poverty may provoke political (8:32) debate, particularly among those who view welfare as the state’s domain. (8:38) However, the biblical call to compassion through work offers a balanced approach that (8:44) empowers individuals while meeting practical needs.

(8:49) In the arts and media, Christians face the challenge of navigating a landscape often (8:55) dominated by secular values. (8:58) Lesson 11 urges believers to actively participate in these fields, creating content that honors (9:05) God and influences culture positively. (9:09) And this may involve pursuing careers in media, supporting Christian artists, or being (9:15) discerning consumers of entertainment.

(9:19) And in conclusion, the Truth Project Lesson 11, Labor Created to Create, invites Christians (9:27) to see work as a reflection of God’s creative image, a means to steward his resources, and (9:35) a platform to serve others. (9:38) By embracing the seven economic principles, believers can approach labor with integrity, (9:44) generosity, and purpose. (9:46) The call to engage arts and media further challenges Christians to shape culture for (9:52) God’s glory.

(9:53) Whether you’re an employer, employee, or artist, this lesson encourages you to view (10:00) labor as a divine calling. (10:03) How can you transform your workplace or creative pursuits to reflect God’s heart? (10:09) Let’s rediscover the joy of labor and create for his glory alone. (10:15) And with that, we’ll start the video.