Revolutionary Work: What's the point of the 9 to 5

by William Taylor

We spend more time working than doing almost anything else, yet work is often difficult, unsatisfying and frustrating. Sometimes our efforts feel never-ending, and the idea that we should be working for the Lord is often squeezed out.

This book, based on a series of sermons by William Taylor, Rector of St. Helen's Bishopsgate, London, will help you see that being a Christian can make a difference to how we experience work. William argues that 'the Bible's teaching on work is not only liberating but also exhilarating and refreshingly realistic'.

Whatever type of work you're involved in, you'll find this book full of wisdom on how to be a wise and godly worker.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Christian Living, Faith

119 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, biblically-grounded, little guide for how Christian’s should think about work. The chapters were easy to read and had well thought through application points. The appendices were also helpful and included questions and answers from when Taylor gave these talks in a series at his church. I really like that this book wasn’t pushing Christians to go into full-time paid gospel ministry but rather to serve God in our secular work. A helpful but challenging read for all Christians.

[Cassandra Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book as I was starting a new job. After having gone through a rather emotional roller-coaster which exposed my idolatry in work as I searched for a new job, I thought it would be good to start my new job with the right mindset. Based off a sermon series given by William Taylor at St. Helen's Bishopgate, London (which was repeated in March 2019 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian KL), this book answers the many typical questions people have of work i.e. What is the purpose of work? Why is work so difficult? What is my calling in work? Is there a difference between church ministry and secular work?

Tracing the origins and the fall of work from Genesis and pinpointing the segments of the New Testament which speaks of work, Taylor masterfully explains verses by putting them in their context and explaining how the structure of the book or epistle affects our understanding of the verses in the Bible that speaks of work. In doing so, Taylor also explicitly (and rather bluntly) debunks myths about work that readers may be subconsciously subscribing to. Since this book is based of Taylor's sermon series, there is also a FAQ appendix at the end of the book, consisting of questions members of his congregation asked and answers he gave them.

This book is simple to read and is helpfully divided into four sections (since the sermon series was divided into four sermons). Especially for the busy bee, reading this book is easy on our tight schedules. I would recommend this book to anybody who is engaged in paid employment, regardless of what stage of your career you're at.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick and helpful read for thinking biblically about the nature and purpose of work. The book is theologically, historically, and culturally grounded with consideration of people from various backgrounds.

Parts I particularly found helpful:
- “The Bible teaches us that if we seek significance in work, if we seek to fulfil our potential in work and if we seek real satisfaction in work, God will frustrate us in our idolatrous intent.” (ch2, p28)
- "As we saw in the introduction, many of us have been brought up under the mantra that we must fulfil our potential at work. A moment's thought indicates the folly of this idea. The notion that we could fulfil our potential in the brief span of five decades, or whatever period we have in employment, is a bizarre thought; no human being, created in the image of God, could ever do that." (ch3, p53)

Parts which intrigued me - for further thought:
- "It may well be that a particular skill or talent remains with you all your life but that you only ever develop it in the new creation because you just don't have the opportunity to develop it in this world." (Appendix 3, p100)
- "I don't actually believe that tithing (giving a tenth of your income to church) is a demand of the New Testament." (Appendix 3, p111)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is a must read for Christians who desire to understand a Biblical view of work. I was encouraged, convicted, and challenged. Taylor breaks the topic of work down into four separate sections.
1) Work is good. God designed us to work, and there is dignity in it.
2) Because of the fall, work is difficult. If we seek to find our significance in work, we will not be satisfied.
3) As Christians, our workplace has changed. We work for God, not man. We have a new goal - to work with integrity, accountability, and an attitude of serving Christ.
"What matters to God is not what we do (for a job) but who we are in terms of our conduct in the workplace."
4) The only work that is truly lasting is the work of God. This work is to share the hope of the gospel as shown in His word.

Two questions we should always ask ourselves are:
1) How are we doing in our place of work when it comes to serving Jesus in the way we treat our employers and coworkers?
2) How is the work of God being conducted by us in our place of work?

[Mathias Holk Stoltenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

“God is far more concerned with how we live where he has placed us than with what particular job we do”. Det kunne næsten være underoverskriften til denne korte, bibelnære bog om arbejde. Bogen eksperimenterer ikke, hvilket kan give titlen en lidt misvisende vinkel, men dette er også styrken. For bogen er tro mod Bibelens ord, hvilket er forfriskende.

Jeg synes at den giver nogle gode vinkler på, hvordan arbejdet er blevet ramt af syndefaldet, hvilket er et element i bogen, som man ikke hører mange andre steder fra. At arbejdet ikke kan føre til fuld tilfredstillelse, fordi Gud har frustreret arbejdet som straf. Måske benytter forfatteren lidt meget denne vinkel på arbejdet, hvor en mere praktisk orienteret vinkel kunne være behjælpelig, men som teoretisk ramme for arbejde fungerer det.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise, clear, and relevant book that outlines the goodness, yet frustration, of work, and the importance of prioritising work "in the Lord" that will last: bringing people to God. Taylor outlines helpful biblical principles to shape the way we think about work: what we do, why we do it, and how we should do it. Key takeaways are that most any work can be used to serve God (or could be a hindrance to serving God), that it is God who we work for, and that we should consider our workplaces as core mission fields. Full-time gospel work is briefly and helpfully touched on at the end

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great content, nice and concise, helpful appendixes. Wish I had read it before I started work! I especially loved learning from Jesus’ interaction with his disciples about the harvest in John 4 (story with the Samaritan woman).

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Mandino Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short easy read, and probably bash some of your basic understanding of how Christians should view work.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet little book that helped me reframe my perspective on work! I loved the scriptural support throughout. I’m sure I’ll come back to it often as I enter new stages!

[Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

actually a game changer

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can’t stop singing “Everything is Awesome” because of the cover that reminds you about the Lego movie, then it’s OK. Because this book is indeed awesome!

Revolutionary Work tackles on the biblical view of work. This book is based on a series presented at St. Helen’s Bishopsgate by William Taylor. Revolutionary Work shows us the work as God’s gift because of our stewardship role in creation. Therefore, it is essential to us. Also it shows a balanced view of it as all vocations are equal and we should not call one as “special”. Despite of being a gift from our Creator, futility can be seen as we are fallen humans as we toil for ourselves, our family and for God’s mandate. However, work should be done knowing God is our boss and the means for us to bring the gospel to our co-workers.

There are four chapters which are a bit long but you can read their summaries at the end of each chapters, which is cool. If you want to skip all of it and distill the essentials, you should go for the summaries. However, as much as possible read all of it. The indexes and the Q and A section are must reads also, so don’t put this book down yet.

I love how Taylor’s treatment of John 4 on the work of God which is the end goal of all our work. The work of God meaning evangelism. That’s on chapter four, which for me is the most engaging part of the book.

All in all Revolutionary Work, though it’s a slim volume, delivers a meaty content that you can find in a thick book. So this is my third time to give 10 of Those and this book a two thumbs up! Now sing some more “Everything is Awesome”

My verdict:

5 out of 5

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book clearly talks about the grim reality for work, and lays out several modern helpful examples. The writer is critical, arguing quite forcefully against both the popular notion of "calling" and the idea that our work has some kind of eschatological fulfilment (he names and quotes Keller on this point, and almost seeks to put him to shame). I was left not entirely sure about what exactly is "revolutionary" - his positive vision for work seems to mostly surround it being a necessity ("to feed your face") and to see work as a mission field. I think this latter point is really where Taylor is driving the book and is perhaps the "revolutionary" way of viewing work, and whilst he argues this point well it articulates work in both cases as a simple means to an end.

Perhaps this is the point - work is mundane and not romantic or especially eschatological, but it gives you opportunities to serve others and share the gospel with them. This changes the way we perceive work because it's then not about climbing a ladder (the reflection on Jesus as an ordinary carpenter not working to transform the Judean furniture industry explained the point well) or gratifying ones own plans and finding the perfect "fit" with your talents (Taylor does well to point out the lack of freedom that most people throughout history have had over this point of vocation).

It's short and to the point too. 4 stars if you don't find the criticisms too grating.

[Blair Beaulieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this small, 90-page book, a handful of times, and every time it teaches me more about myself, the character of God, and the world in which we live. I try to read this book during every new season of life. It is truly one of those every working person should read, and not just the 9-5 worker but the stay-at-home mom, the nanny, the retiree, and the business CEO. And an easy read for that, I appreciate that the author speaks the truth without dumping theological language that I cannot interpret. It is just so liberating and freeing to be reminded that God designed work, but our ultimate fulfillment does not come from the jobs that we are employed at.

"... I may work heartily at the checkout in Tesco but I don't intend to enter into management because I recognize that the best opportunities for the gospel for me are better in the checkout than the back of the office. My goal then is to not be the best, but Christ-like... Jesus worked as a carpenter with integrity, respect for authority, patience, and goodness, but I've no reason to think that his work transformed the Judean furniture industry and I'm pretty sure he could have if he had been the best carpenter ... What matters at work is not what we do but who we are; it is not what we achieve but who we are serving; it is not how we are rewarded now, but knowing we have a master in heaven who will reward us infinitely more..."

[Shaun Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor writes clearly and engages the reader with an easy-to-follow narrative. The book is targeted at every Christian, with the biblical principals while insightful and thought-provoking, easily comprehensible and applicable across denominations and theological camps. This book is highly relatable and illustrated with modern stories, accounts and anecdotes.

Indeed we all fall into either the I-have-to-survive-the-mundane-challenge-of-work or the I-give-my-all-to-work-while-neglecting-everything-else camps. I'd like not to spoil anything, because, at just over 100 pages, you too can read it even in a single sitting!

I finished the book feeling encouraged, challenged and with much to reflect how I can apply the biblical principles into life. I heartily recommend this title and would even consider ordering multiple copies to give away! It has been a long time since I enjoyed the read as much as I did in this small little book! In fact, I am regretful that I had not read it earlier. It also earns the rare award of 6 stars from me, and earns a place on my bookshelf! (As a serial book reviewer, I only keep those I found were most extraordinary while selling the rest)!

[Laurence · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the author may not have intended it, this book seemed to give a low view of day-to-day work, largely seeing it as a vehicle for spreading the gospel (in the narrowest sense).

There were helpful cautions to remember the fall when reading the cultural commission in Genesis, and a helpful set of appendices with questions and answers. Taylor is right to point out that for many in the world work is simply drudgery, though I would have thought that less likely the case with his congregation and likely readers. And he is right to emphasise sharing our faith.

The book seemed, perhaps unintentionally, to shrink and narrow the gospel. Of course the gospel is never less than the salvation of an individual, but I got no sense that everything was being brought to unity in Christ, or that our work may have anything much to do with that.

The book is helpful in as far as it is a clear and succinct exposition of the particular perspective Taylor takes - but I didn't have any sense of joy in work reading it, and am not sure it will convince for most who don't share Taylor's view.

[Kyran Chew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and concise treatise on the issue of work. Taylor challenges the worldly conception of work as a "calling" in which we need to "fulfil" our potential and looks at it from a biblical lens.

He calls us all to reflect on our lives as Christians living and working in a fallen world in which work is good and necessary and dignified but yet frustrating, painful and futile due to our inevitable and impending deaths.

He challenges us to think about what the work of God is and how we can do our everyday jobs but not just see it as a means to money or success but as a means to do the work of God.

It changed the way I think about my work and also made me consider full time ministry (which I'm sure is also a great hope of his)

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be helpful for those who have the idea that their life purpose is to be as good as they can in a specific occupation.
I'm not entirely convinced of the statement and idea that work is ALWAYS frustrating and painful. I understand the authors point but I feel without qualifications, that is not the biblical understanding. Work in this fallen world can still be joyful (as I'm sure is the experience of some), though I agree it cannot fully satisfy us.

The question and answer section at the back was very helpful as it clarified many things (which I felt in the book itself were said too strongly).

[Damian Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! I read it on a week but I found that I was following what Taylor had said almost as soon as I had read it. Such an insightful read and, as with most Christian books, any questions I would have as I read would be answered within the book as I read further through it! Lots to take on and lots to think about.
If you really want to start evangelising at work read this first then start planting the seeds with your non-Christian work colleagues, then pray! Pray for thanks and pray for encouragement. I have done this and God has helped me build on what I have read.

[Crissie Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My school Christian Fellowship group recommended we read this short book. I picked up the book to clarify what it meant to be working and why we face such disappointment in the workplace and it was the best purchase decision. After reading this book, I saw a new perspective on work - I found myself less angry with work because of God's intention for us as Christians. I would highly recommend it to anyone who feels like they are struggling or drowning in work without a purpose. You will never be the same again after learning from the book and you will be amazed by God's plans for us at the workplace.

[Zera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book as the new academic year begins tomorrow. Read over the course of a month with my Book Club girlies, I am excited to begin working again, but this time with a refreshed and ready-to-go mindset. Yes, work is frustrating, but it is also dignified and part of the original design. This book set myself straight with what work means and how it pervades every ounce of our actions, what we choose to do with our time to what we choose not to do! I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Now, time to get working!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

- we were created to work and work is good!
- work is also cursed
- the point of work is sustenance
- but the real work that we have as christians—the real work that lasts—is God's work: the gospel
- what a freaking privilege and delight
- therefore we still do our jobs well, as for the Lord (col 3:23), but are free from the shackles of societal expectations of career success
- and instead should in all things prioritise the building of God's kingdom
- that means seeing not just our workplaces, but every aspect of our lives as harvest fields
- and praying, praying, praying

[Matthew de Neef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this some time before actually moving to London specifically for work, and joining St Helens church (of which William Taylor is the rector) - I found this book a great way to Biblically scope both to myself and others, what “work” is. That is, how I as a Christian should approach the day job. I appreciated the assertions particularly about not trying to find ultimate fulfilment in earthly work and why. Short but powerful.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful supplement to Tim Keller's 'Every Good Endeavour'. Taylor interacts with Keller in one instance, clarifying that the work we do on earth * does not* carry onto heaven, a suggestion that Keller makes when he writes about the Leaf by Niggle story. Other than that, Taylor reinforces what working as a Christian should be in clear sections and summaries in the book.

[Jake Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend to all christians planning to work or currently working (so that's everyone), but ideally read before starting full time work life. It's a short and easy read but extremely challenging and just might change the way you think about work in a radical way which could change your life and the lives of others for many years to come!

[Ben Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Particularly to make sure we hold genesis 9 in view whenever we talk about ‘cultural mandate.’ The fall has had an enormous impact on work and the world.

Thus the two main things to see in work are its dignity in bringing about honour to God in how we work and as a mission field to bring in an eternal harvest.

[Shu Yi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revolutionary Work has pointed me towards what the Word has to say about work, and also has a helpful FAQ section at the back. Thankful for my senior at the workplace who popped by my desk last year with this and suggested I read it!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

An accessible and faithful account of a Christian philosophy of work. It didn’t revolutionise my thinking but it gave bible principles for work, communicating the consequences of living in a fallen world.

[Myra-Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear, concise and winsome writing. Definitely a book that all Christians who engage in any form of work should read.

God cares more about how we do what we do (ie. attitude) than what we do. Praise God.

[Jacinta patterson]

Great read for the theology of work and also makes sense of our experience of work. Also some excellent Q&A in the back of the book.