On Halloween, at masquerade balls, or when robbing a bank, people often wear masks of various kinds to hide their identity. Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation developed a unique concept of God wearing a human mask when He works through us to care for others.

From reading the book, Luther on Vocation by Gustaf Wingren, I learned that when we love our neighbor, God is loving others through us. It may look like we are the ones doing the work, and we are. But in reality, God is working through us. This is one of many illustrations of Immanuel labor, which describes the biblical connection between God’s presence and human work.

Let me unpack this idea of “the masks of God” from this book. I will highlight Scriptures to show that being a coworker with God as He loves our neighbors through us is part of the normal Christian life of faith. Then, I will discuss how God can use us through our ordinary jobs. I have never written on this topic before, so I am excited to dive into it. I think you will find it inspiring.

Masks

Wingren explained, “Man becomes God’s mask on earth wherever man acts. A mask of God is therefore found only in the earthly realm where man labors and does his work for others. In his toil he is a tool in God’s hand . . . God reveals himself to others through man’s actions.”

Wingren states that “God cares for people through other people as co-operators.” For example, “The father is the instrument of procreation, but God is the fountain and author of life. . . In the home husband and wife are instruments, through whom the Lord increases the human race.”

Later, he teaches, “God would be able to create children without making use of human beings, but it pleases him to conceal himself in marriage, in which he lets men and women think that they bring the children into the world, ‘but it is he who does so, hidden behind these masks.’”

I absolutely love this last quote. I wish I had used it somewhere in my book. Wingren proclaims, “Instead of coming in uncovered majesty when he gives a gift to man, God places a mask before his face. He clothes himself in the form of an ordinary man who performs his work on earth.”

A biblical priority

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus holds up one response to suffering as a prime example of keeping the second greatest commandment, to love our neighbor. In this passage, Jesus taught about the eternal value of quenching the thirst of a child. He taught, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matt. 10:42). This simple act of mercy is something that matters greatly to God in His Kingdom. This is not the only way for us to show mercy; it is just one way.

We are complex creatures, more than just a body with physical needs and a soul with spiritual needs. When we meet someone’s mental, psychological, emotional, or financial needs, these acts of mercy have the same value. There are many Scriptures that seem to point us in that direction. Let me demonstrate.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) seems to imply that meeting any of the full-spectrum of human needs is what loving our neighbor is all about. Think about it. The man from Samaria first got the injured man to safety, meeting his psychological needs. He addressed his medical (physical) needs next. He insured that his hotel bill would be paid, meeting his urgent financial needs. It is not mentioned, but perhaps he prayed for this man, meeting his spiritual needs as well.

Jesus preached that acts of mercy (i.e., feeding the hungry and visiting those in prison) displays the genuineness of one’s salvation. Jesus explained, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matt. 25:35-36). Later, James taught that faith displayed by acts of kindness is the kind of transformative faith that true Christians would exhibit (James 2:14-17).

How does God work through us now?

Timothy Keller, in his book, Every Good Endeavor states the obvious: “God’s loving care comes to us largely through the labor of others. Work is a major instrument of God’s providence; it is how he sustains the human world.” Keller writes that our work is “a vehicle for God’s loving provision for the world.” He refers to this as common grace—the idea that “God gives out gifts of wisdom, talent, beauty, and skill … in order to enrich, brighten, and preserve the world.”

There is a classic Christian children’s song we all know, “Jesus loves the little Children.” How does Jesus love the little children? As Martin Luther indicated above, He does so through their parents. Let’s expand that. Jesus loves them through the work of teachers, pediatricians, police, fast food workers, and many others. God educates, heals, provides for, protects, and cares for all children through our work.

Over many decades of studying the theology of work from the Word of God, reading more than two dozen books, and living out the principles I learned in what the late Dr. Howard Hendricks called “the laboratory of life,” I have come to the conclusion that it is not just those full-time vocational ministers who have the privilege of being God’s coworkers in the world. Those of us who know God and are called by Him to work in ordinary jobs are His coworkers just as much.

Opportunities to give a figurative cup of cold water are found in other places besides at our own jobs. We have chances every single day to bring refreshment to someone at their workplace as well. My wife makes a point to engage every cashier she meets to give them something to smile about. When she does, she shines the light of Jesus in a dark world, expressing the joy He gives.

Closing thoughts

As my reflection comes to a close, I may have missed one aspect of kindness that is not popular. It is easier to give someone an encouraging word than to give “tough love” to those who need it. Sometimes, we need to give people a hug. Other times, we need to give them a kick in the pants.

An employee who does not meet the standard needs to know they need to step up their game or face the consequences. A teenager may need to be grounded by their parents. This is part of the job description of many of us. We have to lead those entrusted to us. We have to be willing to say what people need to hear, which is not always what they want to hear. God desires to speak the truth in love through us. Love without truth or truth without love misses the mark.

I trust that this  concept of God loving others through you, perhaps while wearing a mask that resembles your face, resonates with you a little bit. It is often said that God works in mysterious ways. Maybe this particular mystery is much easier to understand now. Keep on loving others by the work you do every day. As God works through you, your job has new meaning and purpose.

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian author, blogger, and grandfather with a passion for integrating faith and work. With degrees in mathematics and biblical studies, his diverse career spans teaching, youth ministry, military service, and civilian work at Fort Leonard Wood. He is the author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in Our Profession and a contributor to numerous Christian publications and blogs. His ongoing reflections on theology and vocation are shared through his blog, Reflections on Theological Topics of Interest.

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