The Glory of Good Work
I first experienced it when watching It Might Get Loud, a documentary featuring the career and music of rock guitarists Jimmy Page, the Edge, and Jack White. The three guitarists met on a Los Angeles soundstage, talked about music, and played each other’s songs. I’m not a musician, but I shouldn’t have loved it, but I did. Watching three great musicians talk about their craft is enthralling.
I’ve noticed the same reading Bruce Springsteen’s memoir Born to Run and Steve Van Zandt’s memoir Unrequited Infatuations. I woke up in the middle of the night a few days ago and couldn’t get back to sleep. I started reading Van Zandt’s description of how to produce songs, and the five ways that an artist can make a cover song their own. Again, I shouldn’t be interested. I have no plans to produce songs or to perform anyone else’s sounds. But the book relaxed me. I’m glad Van Zandt cares about such things.
Watching someone do good work brings joy. So does hearing someone talk about how they do something difficult that’s worth doing for the good and enjoyment of others.
Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” God made us to enjoy seeing people who are good at their work. I’ve watched a graphic designer recently; I love how skillfully she completes a project. I enjoy seeing the work of skillful painters, carpenters, bakers, tailors and seamstresses, architects, beekeepers, metalworkers, poets, and writers.
In the past week, I’ve listened to a podcast about a blueberry producer, a mac and cheese restauranteur, and a sock merchant. I found all of them strangely satisfying.
When we do good work, we’re imitating God who, as Tim Keller put it, “made the world not as a warrior digs a trench but as a craftsman makes a masterpiece.” We’re using gifts from God (Exodus 31:1-4). We’re also often creating beauty in the world, and we could all use more beauty.
This means a couple of things.
First, find your craft. If you have a skill or even a hobby that you enjoy, aim to do really good work for the sake of the work itself. You may not think you’re doing Christian work, but your skill can bless others and also point to the creativity and generosity of our God. Writers: excel at writing. Artists: draw and paint. Musicians: write and perform good music. Use these gifts from God and work at them.
Second: enjoy the craftsmanship and skill of others. Don’t settle for the mass-produced commoditization of cheaper and quicker; look for people who’ve worked hard at skills that take years to develop. Attend symphonies, operas, ballets, and rock shows. Go to art galleries, buy nice bread, and if you’re able, buy the odd piece of clothing that was made by someone with care.
Produce and enjoy good work. Don’t lose your wonder at the skill of those who are skillful at their work. The world could use more beauty.
