s2 CRE NOTES

WORK IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY

PATTERNS OF WORK IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY (CHARACTERISTICS OF

WORK IN A.T.S)

In African traditional society everyone was a worker, therefore, work was compulsory and it was
through work that people earned a living.

Laziness was strongly condemned and the lazy people were despised and at times the community
leaders would ex-communicate them from the society.

Work was divided according to age, sex and ability. The old people used to teach the young ones
different activities which they did while imitating the elders. Young girls were supposed to involve
themselves in activities like cooking, cleaning the house, washing etc and the boys involved
themselves in activities like hunting, building huts, fishing etc.

In African traditional society work aimed at provision of the basic needs of life. For example, shelter,
food, water etc.

Work was communally done. For example, activities like harvesting, planting, cultivating were all
done communally and this promoted the spirit of togetherness.

Competition was limited because people worked for the benefit of the society and this brought people
together as brothers and sisters. There was no competition because people didn’t expect promotions.

In African traditional society there was communal sharing of the fruits of work. For example,
members of a certain village would enjoy a good harvest of maize, beans, cassava, yams etc.

In African traditional society there was no payment for the work done however a token of
appreciation would be given to workers involved in work. For example, they would be given local
beer, good food etc.

In African traditional society work was a social activity because it was done for the good of the
community and it brought people together. Therefore, this assisted to build the community’s loyalty
and solidarity.

In African traditional society children used to learn work from their parents and they used to take on
the careers of their parents. For example, if the father was a hunter, all his sons would become
hunters.

In African traditional society work was manually done i.e. it was done with the use of hands unlike
today where machines are used.

COMPARISON BETWEEN WORK TODAY AND IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY

Similarities

In both African traditional society and present situation work is for the provision of basic needs of life
as means of survival. Therefore, one has to work in order to earn a living.

In both African traditional society and present situation, work is for the development of skills and
talents. For example, today people have developed their talents of dancing, singing etc and in African
traditional society they developed talents of spear throwing, dancing etc.
In both African traditional society and present situation everybody is encouraged to work and laziness
is highly condemned.

In both African traditional society and present situation people are rewarded for performing different
activities. For example, in African traditional society people were given rewards in form of drinks
and food while today people are rewarded in form of money / salaries or wages.

In both African traditional society and present situation there is specialization as far as work is
concerned although in African traditional society it was on small scale compared to the present
situation.

In both African traditional society and present situation, selfish motives like theft, corruption etc
during work are discouraged because they can lead to social conflicts.

In both African traditional society and present situation, work is seen as a service, that is to say, it is
carried out to serve others in the community. For example, in African traditional society black smiths
provided tools to the community like hoes, pangas, knives, spears etc and today teachers and doctors
serve the community by teaching and providing medical services respectively.

In both African traditional society and present situation, honesty during work is emphasized.

DIFFERENCES

In African traditional society, work was free of charge while today work is paid for, that is to say,
workers are paid salaries or wages for the work done depending on the activity done and the
agreement made.

In African traditional society work was communally done while today it is individually done Africans
participated in all the activities in the society. For example, cultivating, harvesting, hunting, etc while
today different activities are left to one individual.

In African traditional society work was basically done for the purpose of getting the basic necessities
of life like food, shelter, clothes etc while in the present situation people work to obtain the basic
needs and the luxuries of life like good cars, good houses etc.

In African traditional society work was divided according to sex, age and ability while today both
men and women are competing for the same work. For example, both men and women can work as
taxi drivers, conductors, engineers etc.

In African traditional society everyone was a worker, therefore, work was compulsory while in the
present situation work is optional and people are free either to work or to enjoy leisure.

In African traditional society work was manual, that is to say, it was done with the use of hands while
in the present situation most of the work is mechanized, that is to say, people use machines like
computers, mobile phones, tractors etc while working.

In African traditional society children had to take on the careers of their parents while today children
take on careers of their own choice.

In African traditional society work was followed by leisure. After working people had special time for
resting especially around the fire places whereas today many people are work oriented therefore, they
forego leisure.

In African traditional society children were taught work by their parents and according to age and sex
while today work is done basing on training and qualifications.
REVISION QUESTIONS:

1. Compare the patterns of work in the present situation and African traditional society.

2. What are the changing patterns of work?

THE PURPOSES OF WORK IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY

In African traditional society people worked in order to get the basic necessities of life. For example,
among the Baganda of Central Uganda, people worked so hard in order to get food, shelter etc.

People worked in order to promote good social relationships since work was communally done. For
example, among the Bahima of Western Uganda and Karimajong of North Eastern Uganda, they
grazed cattle communally and this helped them to improve on their relationships.

Through work people in African traditional society were able to show their talents, strength and skills
and at the same time, they developed them. For example, among the Baganda of Central Uganda, the
boys would show their skills of hunting through work.

Through work people in African traditional society were able to develop the community. For
example, among the Baganda of Central Uganda they had what was called “Bulungi Bwansi” where
people gathered and cleaned the wells, dug the roads for the well-being of the community.

Through work, the young ones were able to learn their roles according to their sex. For example,
among the Bahima of Western Uganda and the Karimajong of North Eastern Uganda, fathers would
go with the boys to graze cattle and among the Baganda of Central Uganda, girls would stay at home
to do all the domestic work.

The fruits of work would be used to sacrifice to the gods by thanking them for whatever they had
done for the people and also through sacrifices the gods would be appeased.
Work assisted people to develop personal creativity. For example, among the Baganda of Central
Uganda, girls and mothers became creative by weaving baskets, mats, table clothes etc.

It is through work that charitable services were offered to the disadvantaged people like the lame, the
sick etc. For example, among the Baganda of Central Uganda and the Basoga of Eastern Uganda, the
elderly, the lame, the blind, the sick, etc were catered for through work.

It is through work that people acquired material wealth. For example, among the Bahima of Western
Uganda, the Acholi of Northern Uganda and the Karamajong of North Eastern Uganda, they would
acquire bride wealth through work.

In African traditional society people defended their societies against external attacks from hostile
tribes and wild animals. For example, the Baganda of Central Uganda defended themselves from the
Banyoro and the Itesot of Eastern Uganda defended themselves from the Karamajong.

In African traditional society people worked to exercise their bodies in order to become physically fit.

REVISION QUESTION: What was the importance of work in African traditional society?

REASONS WHY THERE WAS NO UNEMPLOYMENT IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL

SOCIETY

In African traditional society everyone was a worker either in the family or in the community and this
limited unemployment since work was compulsory.
People were practically trained right from childhood and this assisted them to be creative and utilize
the talents inherited from their parents.

Work was divided according to age, sex and ability. For example, the children stayed at home with
the elderly to take care of the home while the adults provided labour at the farms and both boys and
girls had particular roles.

Work was manually done, that is to say, it was done using hands therefore, everyone worked since
there was a lot of work to be done using hands.

Work was for the provision of the basic needs of life and if one got the basic needs he would be
satisfied. Therefore, all people were expected to work in order to acquire the basic needs of life.

Work was done for the well-being of the community, so this ruled out competition which would lead
to unemployment.

In African traditional society there was close supervision which was done by the elders who ensured
that there wasn’t dodging of work.

In African traditional society laziness was highly condemned and unacceptable. Any unemployment
that resulted from laziness was never accepted by the community.

In African traditional society there wasn’t need for academic qualifications for one to get what to do.
The children carried out work which was done by their parents. In other words, they inherited their
parents’ work.

In African traditional society the needy, the elderly and those who couldn’t perform / participate in
any activity because of different reasons were cared for by the community. For example, among the
Baganda of Central Uganda the disabled, the elderly, the sick, were all given assistance through work.

In African traditional society natural talents were considered while assigning work to individuals
because they believed that people would work hard when given work in line with their talents.

REVISION QUESTIONS:

Why was there no unemployment in African traditional society?

CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT TODAY

The following are the causes of unemployment today:-

Rural urban migration causes unemployment. This is because of the excess labour in the urban areas
making people compete for the few jobs thus leading to unemployment.

The rapid increase in population in the present situation has not matched with the growth of
employment opportunities which has led to unemployment.

Seasonal factors cause unemployment in some sectors. Jobs are available during certain seasons and
workers become unemployed during other seasons. For example, among the farmers, jobs are
available during preparation of fields, planting, harvesting and during other seasons they become
unemployed.
Lack of information about the available jobs leads to unemployment. Some people may lack
information as far as the available jobs are concerned therefore, such people remain unemployed.

Discrimination in labor market also leads to unemployment. Some employers or organizations offer
employment basing on differences in religion, sex, tribe etc. This means one may be unemployed
because he belongs to different religion or sex.

The education system is more theoretical than practical. What is taught in schools can’t be applicable
in the field, making people unemployed.

The education system prepares people to be job seekers than job creators. Therefore, very many
people remain unemployed because they can’t create their own jobs.

Technological changes lead to unemployment, that is to say, in case where machines do most of the
work many people will remain unemployed. For example, today most of the work is done by
computers, tractors etc, therefore, less human labour is used.

QN: Why are there so many cases of unemployment today?

WORK IN CHURCH HISTORY

EARLY CHURCH/ Century / age Jesus and the apostles
E.g. St. Peter, St. Paul,
St. Stephen
CHURCH MIDDLE CHURCH / Century/ age monks and nuns
HISTORY E.g. St. Francis of Assisi
St. Augustine of Hippo
St. Clement of Alexandria
Bishop Milton Ambrose
THE LATE CHURCH missionaries and martyrs.E.g Kizito omuto,
Kalori lwanga.

In the early century / church / age of Christianity Jesus preached to the apostles and commissioned
them to go ahead and preach the gospel.

In the middle age / church / century, there were the monks and nuns who lived in monasteries and
these were special confinements where they were meant to stay. The monks and nuns made vows
which include, living in poverty, remaining obedient to God’s laws and remaining unmarried (chastity
/ celibacy) in order to follow the commands of Jesus and his example.

The monks and nuns lived life full of suffering in order to win God’s favor.

In the period of the late church there were the missionaries and the Uganda Martyrs who also
contributed to their societies.

THE WORK RENDERED BY THE APOSTLES

The apostles preached the gospel. For example, St. Paul moved to Gentile and preached the gospel to
the people he found there.
They performed miracles. For example, Peter and John raised hands onto a lame man who was sitting
at the entrance of the temple.

They wrote encouraging letters to the new converts. For example, St. Paul wrote an encouraging letter
to the Corinthians and James wrote to the suffering Christians.

They established churches for the new converts and others offered their houses as places of worship.
For example, St. Paul established a Church in Corinth and also the mother of Mark offered her house
as a place of worship.

They gathered Christians to have fellowships in order to encourage one another like they would
encourage the rich to sell their property and share with the poor.

They offered sacraments like baptism. They baptized new converts. For example, St. Paul baptized
the people he found in Lydia’s house.

They prayed for the people and also encouraged them to pray and fast.

They carried out catechism that provided the basics of Christianity to the new converts.

They organized fellowship meetings where they used to encourage the new converts to remain strong
in their faith.

They carried out charitable works, that is to say, they assisted the needy whenever they went to preach
the gospel. For example, St. Peter and Paul assisted the sick.

They interpreted scriptures for the new converts.

They settled disputes by counseling those with misunderstandings / disagreements especially the
Christians.

They converted many people to the Christian faith for example Peter converted 3000 converts in
Samaria.

They laid hands on the newly converted Christians to bless them and strengthen their faith. For
example, Peter and John laid hands on the Samaritans.

THE WAYS IN WHICH THE MONKS AND THE NUNS BENEFITED THE COMMUNITY
(ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE MONKS AND THE NUNS)

The monks and nuns participated in preaching the word of God to the community to eliminate the
injustices in the community.

The monks and nuns offered donations to individuals and to the churches. For example, St. Francis of
Assisi offered clothes, blankets to the needy in the communities where he served.

The monks and nuns explained and interpreted the scriptures and these assisted the illiterate people to
understand the gospel.

The monks and nuns cared for the sick by treating them and educating them as far as hygiene was
concerned which helped to promote good health.

The monks and nuns built dispensaries for the people where the sick received treatment and the
dispensaries were having qualified people who used to treat the sick.
The monks and nuns showed a good example to the rest of the people in the community by giving
back to the people whenever they produced in excess by following the laws etc.

The monks and nuns assisted the community by teaching them how to read and write which helped
them to fight illiteracy and they also promoted education by establishing schools. For example, St.
Francis of Asisi established a school for the Flairs who were his followers.

They decampaigned slavery which was a threat to the people and this assisted them to easily spread
the gospel.

They offered sacraments like baptism, where they baptized new converts and they encouraged them to
remain firm in their faith. For example, St. Francis of Asisi baptized very many new converts.

They produced surplus goods which were later sold to the community at a lower price.

They carried out catechism which was aimed at teaching Christianity among the new converts and
expanding the church.

The monks and nuns cared for the strangers who were travelling by providing them with water,
accommodation, food e.t.c which promoted trade.

They encouraged self-reliance as they did work to supply their basic needs in order to survive.

Through hard work the monks and nuns challenged the people to work in order to support themselves
and become self-reliant.

They taught carpentry skills to the people and introduced small scale industries through teaching
people practical skills.

They composed hymns of praise.

They carried out Bible studies.

They carried out trade.

They solved the problem of un employment by employing people

WAYS IN WHICH MONKS AND NUNS FAILED TO LIVE BY THEIR VOWS (THE
FAILURES OF THE MONKS AND NUNS)

Despite the good work monks and nuns did, they failed in some areas in the following ways:-

Monks and nuns failed to keep the promise of chastity / celibacy. Instead of living a celibate life they
started wishing to marry and some went through sexual temptations, therefore diverting from the
vows they made before God.

Monks and nuns got involved in business activities and ignored the spiritual roles by sparing little
time for God. They got a lot of wealth consequently breaking the vows of living in poverty.

Monks and nuns exploited the people in monasteries; they were forced to work under harsh
conditions.

Monks and nuns became authoritative because they became employers. They got more positions and
power over people they were meant to serve. They started commanding with pride instead of being
humble in their service.
They were lazy because they became employers; they found themselves idle since they employed
people in every area of work. This was contrary to their objective of hard work since they were left
with no work to do.

With time the monks and nuns lost touch with reality surroundings (outside world) because they
always confined themselves indoors (in monasteries), so they couldn’t address the challenges of the
people.

They became aggressive towards their enemies who wanted to destroy them, this was against the
principle of love.

They failed to balance spiritual and physical work since most of the time they carried out commercial
activities which denied them the opportunity to realize their original goal of serving God.

They faced strong resistance from some hostile tribes which stubbornly got involved in destroying
any work projects started by the Christian community.

Some monks and nuns even got engaged in power struggle with the kings, emperors hence they
committed murder.

The riches and wealth made the monks and nuns to forget their vows, they became too proud to care
for the needy and the poor.

REVISION QUESTIONS:
1. How did the monks and nuns fail to live to their vows?
2. Explain the failures of monks and nuns in church history.

HOW THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS HAVE FAILED TO LIVE TO THEIR EXPECTATIONS

TODAY

The religious leaders today include the Pastors, Priests, Reverands, Sisters, brothers etc. The
following are the ways in which they have failed to live to their vows:-

Some have involved themselves in sexual relations yet they made vows of living in celibacy. For
example, the catholic priests, sisters and brothers who are not supposed to wish to marry or to get
involved in sexual relations.
Some religious leaders have accumulated a lot of wealth yet they are supposed to live in poverty.

Some have exploited workers whereby they pay them little money or they don’t pay them at all.

Some ask for money in order to give sacraments. For example, anointing the sick, baptism.

Some have become selfish and they aim at meeting their own needs and don’t mind about others.

Some have misused offertory to meet their own needs yet it is supposed to be treated with respect.

Some discriminate Christians depending on status. For example, prominent people like ministers,
members of parliament etc are given special seats in church and at times the poor Christians are
displaced.

Some exploit Christians by not allowing coins as offertory and they demand a lot from the Christians.

Some associate with the devil world to get powers to perform miracles and to accumulate a lot of
wealth.
Some show bad examples to the Christians for example they misuse offertory, they struggle for
power, abuse sex etc

Some misinterpret the word of God therefore misleading the Christians.

Some give false prophecy which does not come to fulfillment.

There is power struggle because of greed and other personal reasons, they are not willing to leave
their parishes.

THE CRAFT GUILDS

The craft guilds were organized groups of workers in middle ages especially in Europe with given
skills, they promoted working together and they can be compared to the trade unions today.

RULES WHICH GOVERNED THE CRAFT GUILDS

The craft guilds worked under certain rules that governed them including the following:-

They ensured that all members in a particular guild were registered. For example, anybody who didn’t
belong to a shoe making guild was not supposed to register with that guild. Therefore, he was not
supposed to work as a shoe maker.

The craft guilds had to produce quality goods to ensure a good standard of work. Therefore, the craft
guilds used to produce the best products because they emphasized quality.

They had to protect the interests of the guild and they worked in accordance to those interests.

They ensured that each member of the guild was trained and had all the required skills.

They ensured specialization in that the craft guilds would concentrate on the production of a particular
item.

They promoted morality in that if a member of the guild stole or cheated, he would be chased from
the guild.

THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE CRAFT GUILDS

They assisted to reduce competition among the workers since different craft guilds were dealing in the
production of different items.

They ensured that the guild members had job security. Members of different guilds made sure that
people were protected at their work places; therefore, they couldn’t easily lose their jobs.

They solved the problem of unemployment because children learnt and gained the skills right from
childhood which helped them to get involved in different activities.

They assisted in reducing immorality at places of work. For example, stealing and cheating was not
common since the criminals were expelled.

They assisted in creating ready market for the products of the people. They ensured that all the
products had to be sold and at times the craft guilds would buy the products and donate them.
They assisted to reduce illiteracy by offering scholarships to the poor children so that they were in
position to get educated.

They assisted the church with donations like beautiful windows and doors as a way of giving back to
God.

They helped to ease and solve the problem of career since one obtained career by birth.

They ensured quality produce since workers were trained in the given areas of specialization.

They implemented the element of leadership among themselves and to the community since they
appointed Chaplains to lead them and ensure discipline of all members.

THE CHURCH AND WORK IN MODERN AFRICA

In African traditional society people didn’t have any problem in choosing a career this is because
work was taught right from childhood. However, when the missionaries came to Africa they found
some problems in the field of work including the following:-

People were forced to work. For example, in Egypt the King forced people to build pyramids and
they were doing a lot of heavy work yet they were paid less.

Also in Africa the workers were exploited. The white settlers forced people to work for them with
little payment.

However, when the missionaries came to Africa they brought changes in the field of work.

WORK RENDERED BY THE MISSIONARIES

They decampaigned slave trade and Africans had to stop trading in human beings.

They introduced legitimate trade which involved trading in commodities which boasted trade in
Africa like coffee, cotton.

They introduced salaried employment whereby people were paid salaries for work done, such jobs
included teaching and nursing.

They fought illiteracy by building schools. For example, St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Trinity College
Nabbingo, Mount St. Mary’s college Namagunga, Gayaza High School.
They built churches that were used as places of worship to strengthen people’s faith. For example,
Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals were constructed by the missionaries.

They introduced new farming systems like commercial farming and new cash crops like cotton,
coffee, sisal which led to economic growth and improvement of people’s standards of living.

They worked for the oppressed and the needy. Therefore, they showed concern to those they found in
difficult lives. They gave them the essentials of life. For example, Blankets, food, medical care etc.

They promoted health in Africa by building hospitals. For example, they built St. Francis Nsambya
and Mengo hospital which was built by Sir Albert Cook.

They preached the gospel to the people of Africa and many Africans were converted to Christianity.

They established technical schools where Africans were taught new skills especially vocational skills
that benefited many people like girls in Africa were taught how to bake and how to make table mats
and boys were taught carpentry skills for example they established technical colleges like St. Joseph
technical Kisubi.

They introduced new languages. For example, English, French and German that helped Africans to
communicate among themselves.

They improved on transport and communication by constructing roads in many parts of Africa.

They introduced money in some parts of Africa that was used as a medium of exchange although to a
small extent barter trade continued to operate.
They offered scholarships to people who graduated in many fields as doctors and teachers.

THE NEW ROLES PLAYED BY THE CHURCH TODAY

The church has produced religious leaders like Chaplains and pastors who assist in schools by
preaching to them and therefore developing students spiritually.

The church has created employment opportunities therefore solving the problem of unemployment.
For example, the Catholic Church owns Centenary Bank which employs very many people.

Some churches have provided small loans to the people in order for them to start up income
generating projects like poultry, piggery.

The church has set up schools and this has helped to reduce illiteracy among the people. For example,
Uganda Martyrs secondary school Namugongo, St. Augustine Wakiso, St. Augustine Kisoga, Seroma
Christian School etc.

The church has offered charitable services to the needy in the society like the orphans, the disabled
etc. For example, Watoto church under child care project has gone ahead to pay school fees for the
orphans.

The church has improved on mass media by putting in place radio and television stations where
programs have been organized to educate the public about religious matters. For example, it has been
done on radio Maria, Prime radio, Top TV, Channel 44.

The church has assisted people to improve on their livestock by teaching them better farming methods
especially the scientific methods. For example, the use of fertilizers, cross breeding and artificial
insemination.
The church has influenced people’s attitudes towards work through teaching them the importance of
work in their different organizations / clubs. For example, mothers Unions, Father’s Unions, and
Youth Alive Clubs etc.

The church has provided guidance and counseling services to many people. For example, in many
churches leaders have counseled people with HIV/AIDs.

The church has provided sex education to many people especially the youth and people intending to
get married and those already married.

The church has promoted health by funding hospitals in order for them to purchase medical
equipment and drugs. For example, the Catholic Church founded Rubaga and Nsambya hospitals and
the Anglican Church has funded Mengo hospitals.

The church has tried to fight against sexual immorality like adultery, fornication, prostitution,
homosexuality, masturbation, bestiality. For example, Pastor Martin Ssempa has always preached
against homosexuality.
The church has involved itself in peace talks by encouraging the government to have peace talks with
the rebels instead of using wars. For example, Bishop Odama and other Bishops in Uganda
encouraged the government to have peace talks with the Lord resistance army rebels.

THE BIBLICAL TEACHING ABOUT WORK

THE OLD TESTAMENT TEACHING ABOUT WORK

NB;The word that qualifies an answer to be correct is “THAT” For example It teaches that…

The old testament teaches that God was a worker who created the universe in 6 days according to the
first story and according to the 2nd story he molded man and all other creatures.

Gen. 1:28 teaches that God commanded man to go and control / subdue the earth and man would only
do this by working.

According to Gen. 1, it teaches that man was supposed to co-create, that is to say, he was supposed to
improve on what was put in place by God and he would do this through working.

It teaches that after God creating the universe and putting everything in place, he declared everything
he had created as good meaning that work was blessed.

It teaches that work which is against God or work that denies God his glory is a curse and it leads to
disappointment and failure in life. For example, the construction of the tower of Babel was against
God and it was a failure.

It teaches that work should be balanced with leisure i.e. people should rest after working. For
example, God created the universe in 6 days and rested on the 7th day.
Gen.2:1-3 ‘‘and so the whole universe was created…”

It teaches that jealousy at work is condemned. For example, Gen 4: 1ff Cain killed his brother Abel
because of jealousy at work and he was condemned by God.

It teaches that there should be brotherhood at places of work. Deut.24:6-22 teaches that people should
have a friendly atmosphere at places of work i.e. there should be a good relationship between the
employees and the employers.

It teaches that there should be good treatment of workers therefore the employers should avoid
exploiting the workers. The workers should be paid for the work done. The Egyptians were punished
because of exploiting the Hebrews.

Exodus 35:30ff teaches that people should work so hard and develop their skills to the highest level.

It teaches that a man who works so hard with his skills should be rewarded. For example, King
Solomon was rewarded because of his hard work.

The book of proverbs 12:24 teaches that laziness at work is condemned and also it is said in the bible
that laziness is a foolish way of life.

Prov. 12:24ff teaches that those who don’t work shall be ruled by those who work hard. The lazy ones
shall remain slaves and also it is said that hard work gives power in other words those who work hard
become rulers.
The Old Testament teaches that forced labor at places of work is condemned. God was concerned on
learning that the Hebrews were forced to work in the land of Egypt and that’s why he went ahead to
call Moses whom he sent to go and liberate the Hebrews from the land of slavery.

The Old Testament teaches that good / hard work can lead to one’s promotion. 1kings11:28 teaches
that good work can lead one to the highest rank. For example, Jeroboam was promoted by King
Solomon because of his good work.

REVISION QUESTION

1.What does the Old Testament teach about work?

THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHING ABOUT WORK

The New Testament teaches that Jesus was a great worker. For example, he worked as a carpenter
and while at home he assisted his mother with domestic work Mark 6:3

It teaches that Jesus encouraged people to use their personal skills or talents productively (Mathew
25:14 – 30).

John 13: 1ff teaches that Jesus calls upon Man to serve others by meeting their needs. For example,
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples; he fed the 5,000 people when they were hungry etc.

It teaches that Jesus rested after work. [Mark 4:38] therefore he respected leisure as an important
aspect hence all people should take up his example and rest after working.

It teaches that Jesus balanced his physical work and spiritual work. In all the four gospels, the gospel
of Luke, Mark, John and Mathew, Jesus is showed as one who worked for both spiritual and material
gain. He balanced work for God and for man. For example, he preached the gospel and also carried
out carpentry.

Mat.21:28ff, teaches that Jesus taught about honesty and obedience at work when he gave an example
of the two sons who were disobedient.

In the New Testament Peter teaches that people should be given their pay / wages after work.

It teaches that laziness was condemned. For example, Paul warned Christians against laziness, he
emphasized that work is a duty to everyone and he also ordered that whoever doesn’t work shouldn’t
eat (2 Thessalonians 3: 10)

It teaches that Jesus encouraged people to be devoted to prayers since prayer itself is work.

It teaches that Jesus served people regardless of their background. For example, the Gentiles, women,
children. Therefore, people should work for all people without discrimination.

It teaches that Jesus taught his disciples how to work when he commissioned them to go and preach
the gospel to all people.

It teaches that Jesus spent reasonable time doing charitable work (helping the needy). For example, he
healed the sick, he made the blind see and he comforted the lonely like Martha and Mary.

It teaches that people should appreciate the value of work and opportunity to work because there are
many people who are jobless. That’s why Jesus thanked his father for having assisted him to
accomplish his work towards the end of his ministry.
It teaches that work should always bring joy and happiness to the workers and those around them. For
example, Jesus gave a parable of a lost sheep. Luke 15: 1-6 he explained that when the lost sheep was
recovered friends and neighbors had to gather and rejoice with the owner of the sheep.

REASONS WHY JESUS IS REGARDED AS A GOOD WORKER

Jesus is regarded as a good worker because he got time to rest, that is to say, he balanced work with
leisure. For example, he put his head on the pillow while sailing with his disciples.

Jesus involved God in his ministry / in his work. For example, he constantly prayed to God whenever
he was to perform a miracle.

Jesus worked for others. For example, he fed the 5,000 people who were hungry; he made the blind
man see.

Jesus was a good worker because he co-operated with his disciples during work.

Jesus is regarded to be a good worker because he used his skills and talents during work. For example,
he used his talent and healed the sick.

Jesus worked with maximum respect for all forms of work and other workers. For example, he
worked as a carpenter.

Jesus was a good worker because he served all people equally without discrimination. For example,
he served the Gentiles, women, children etc.

Jesus shared his skills with other workers. For example, he taught his disciples how to pray and he
also prayed for them and asked them to go and preach to others.

Jesus was an obedient servant. For example, he was obedient to his father God and he did God’s work
first.

Jesus appreciated the value of work that is why he always thanked God after accomplishing his work.

Jesus was a good worker because he worked and served those in need (he carried out charitable
work). For example, he fed 5,000 people who were hungry on 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread.
Jesus was regarded as a good worker because he was honest while doing his work since dishonesty is
condemned.

REVISION QUESTIONS:

1. What is the New Testament teaching about work?

2. How can Jesus’ example help the Christians to be good workers?
3. Why is Jesus regarded to be a good worker?
4. Give the Biblical teaching about work.

THE PARABLE OF THE TALENT (MATHEW 25:14ff)

Jesus told his disciples that there was a man who was about to go on a journey, he called his servants
and put them in charge of his property.

He gave each one according to his ability; to one he gave five thousand gold coins, to another he gave
two thousand and to another he gave one thousand. Then he left for his journey.
The servant who had received five thousand coins went at once and invested his money and earned
another five thousand.

In the same way the servant who had received two thousand coins earned another two thousand.

But the servant who had received one thousand coins went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his
master’s money.

After a long time, the master came back and settled accounts with them. The servant who had
received five thousand coins came in and handed over the other five thousand and said “sir you gave
me five thousand coins, here are another five thousand that I have earned.”

The master said well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in managing small
amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. Come in and share my happiness.

Then the servant who had been given two thousand coins came in and said, “you gave me two
thousand coins sir look here are another two thousand that I have earned”.

Well done you good and faithful servant said his master, you have been faithful in managing small
amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts, come in and share my happiness.

Then the servant who had received one thousand coins came in and said, “Sir I know you are a hard
man, you reap harvests where you didn’t sow and you gather crops where you didn’t scatter seed. I
was afraid then I went off and hid your money in the ground. Look here is what belongs to you.”

The master said,“You bad and lazy servant because you knew that I reap harvest where I didn’t sow
and gather crops where I didnt scatter seed, well then you should have deposited my money in the
bank, I would have received it all back with interest when I returned. Now take the money away from
him and give it to the one who has ten thousand coins. For every person who has something even
more will be given and will have more than enough and the person who has nothing even the little that
he has will be taken away from him. As for this useless servant throw him outside in the darkness,
there he will cry and grind his teeth”.

LESSONS CHRISTIANS LEARN FROM THE PARABLE OF THE TALENT

Christians learn to appreciate other people’s abilities from God just as the master gave each servant a
responsibility depending on his ability.

Christians learn to be hardworking just as the two servants who produced twice what they were given.

Christians learn to trust one another in work just as the master trusted the servants with silver coins.

Christians learn to work with a motive of pleasing others just as the two servants who doubled what
they were given by their master.

Christians learn to reward the good workers just as the master thanked and rewarded the faithful
servants.

Christians learn to have a good relationship with employers unlike the wicked servant who blamed his
master for reaping where he had not sown.

Christians learn to utilize the talents given to them by God just as the two servants used their talents
well.