BT10: A Christian man lost his job during the economic recession of 1974-1975. He and his wife interpreted Romans 8:28 ("All things work together for good") to mean that he lost his job in order that God might give him a better-paying one. Consequently, he turned down several lower- or equal-paying job opportunities and remained on unemployment for over two years before returning to work. Do you agree with his way of interpreting this verse? Why or why not?

The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the Christians in Rome. In the first part of Chapter Eight, he dealt with the sin nature and with how Christians possess the indwelling Holy Spirit. According to Romans 8:15, Christians have the Spirit of sonship. In the second part of Chapter Eight, he dealt with suffering versus eternal reward and concluded that there was not any comparison. Romans 8:18 says, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." In Verse Twenty-two and following, Paul discussed the patient wait of Christians as they look forward to their adoption as sons and also to the redemption of their bodies. He, then, talked about the help that Christians get from the Holy Spirit.

Within this context of Christians patiently waiting for adoption and redemption and also of getting help from the Spirit, the Apostle Paul wrote Romans 8:28. That verse says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Christians waiting patiently and the Spirit helping Christians during their weakness create an image of problems and difficulties. In Romans 8:28, Paul was telling the Christians at Rome to remain patient and to trust their ordeal to God. Based on the truth of this verse, if a person loves God and is called according to His purpose, then the seemingly negative experiences of this life will have an overall positive effect.

Romans 8:28 does not teach that a Christian will find a better job if he or she loses their job or that they should even try. A much stronger teaching is found in I Timothy 5:8, which says, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Another important teaching is found in I Corinthians 4:2, which says, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Taking off work for more than two years is not smart if the working person has family responsibilities. Also, living on savings for over two years when one is able to work is not being a very good steward.

Tom of Bethany

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