WORSHIP OF WORK

WORSHIP OF WORK

Karoshi is a Japanese word which means "death from overwork." This condition is noted in Japan that thousands of workers are said to have died from this malaise. The Japanese government's Labor Ministry has been forced to provide compensation to the families of the so called  karoshi victims who simply died of overwork.  

Why would a man force himself to work until he drops dead?

This is very strange indeed. Many are obsessed with work.

I know of a man who gets the blues when weekends or holidays come. He couldn’t bear to be away from his desk for too long. He feels guilty that he’s not doing anything. He is a hard driver. He drives the personnel under him to the max and squeeze them to optimum performance. Nobody likes him in the office. He’s often wired, and wants immediate results. He’s a great guy. But he’s miserable, unhappy, and everyday he looks worn-out. I haven’t even seen him smile in months.

Now a man like this is a sure candidate for this affliction, and worst he’s contagious and likely to spread this Karoshi malaise to his subordinates.   Working with this man is hazardous.  

There is no question that work is essential to sustain life. Scripture tells us that work is ordained by God.

In the process of creation God worked as the prime mover of all creation (Genesis 1:1-15).God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day. The first and the most marvelous work ever done is recorded in Genesis.

The God of creation is a working God. (Genesis 1:31 )

God was pleased by the fruit of His labor, He called it “very good.”(Genesis 1:31). Work  should therefore be viewed as something good, and not a drudgery. Man should find fulfillment in his work, as he applies himself to productive labor. Work in the Biblical context has been considered good and essential activity which would which would complete, satisfy and balance man’s life on earth.

St. Paul writes in Thessalonians 3:10-12:

"If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their own work quietly and to earn their own living." These are clearly positive declarations which affirm the value and importance of productive labor. Indolence is frowned upon, and its consequence is hunger and want.

The Karoshi syndrome is simply taking the value of work to the extreme. When man starts to worship his work that becomes an end in itself, work becomes a curse. When a person could  find meaning and significance only in his work and none other else, that he would even be willing to sacrifice everything or drop dead for the sake of his work then work becomes a curse.

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