Even for those of us who left school decades ago, this time of year has the feel of a new term. The summer's rest is behind us, the diary is filling again, and Ecclesiastes asks the question hanging over all of it: what do we gain from all our toil?

In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 3, Revd. Mark Fletcher works towards a theology of work that is neither cynical nor naive. Work is essential and good — given to Adam and Eve before the fall — and there is real satisfaction to be found in a job done well. But work can also be hard and fruitless, and the Bible is honest about that. The trouble comes when we make an idol of it, letting our jobs define who we are.

The antidote is rhythm. The Sabbath is a gift nobody has to earn, and holidays are holy days. Start the day in prayer rather than in email. Plan your rest as deliberately as you plan your work.

What would change if you stopped asking what you do, and remembered whose you are?

Full transcript and video: https://stpeters.ch/sermons/what-the-bible-says-about-work/