Book Review: The Gift of Work by Bill Heatley

Title: The Gift of Work: Spiritual Disciplines for the Workplace
Author: Bill Heatley
Publisher: NavPress
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 173
ISBN: 978-1-60006-134-9
Genre: Christian living

The Gift of Work attempts to present a new model of work, as defined by living in fellowship with God in all areas of life and allowing Him to call the shots in your work life. By explaining how to apply spiritual disciplines, Heatley pursues the issue of how discipleship should influence the Christian's workplace, regardless of the industry.

Its straightforward language and short length make The Gift of Work easy reading. Despite the simplicity of his language, Heatley takes a serious tone about his subject. You can even catch a taste of this tone by browsing the seven chapter titles: "Changing Our Minds About Work," "Kingdom Living," "Redefining Success," "You are Here: God as Our Reference Point," "Not a Trivial Pursuit," "Training as a Disciple of Christ," and "The Nucleus of Change."

Heatley himself has experienced burnout with work. He doesn't make suggestions merely from a theological standpoint. He provides examples from his personal experiences of how he has carried out disciplines in the workplace or seen encouraging results from practicing these disciplines. Although he has experienced the exhausting side of work, Heatley has also seen his work transformed into an exciting arena where he can fulfill his purposes as part of God's kingdom.

The Bible contains no clearly defined list of spiritual disciplines. Consequently, authors can expound endlessly and produce unlimited variations of some of the ideas found in the Bible. Heatley's practical suggestions focus mostly on prayer, fasting, and giving.

On one hand, The Gift of Work seems to contain very little new material. If you've read much of Dallas Willard's work, you'll recognize the themes and assertions that appear throughout The Gift of Work. I've read only a few of Willard's books, and I could see his ideas clearly in The Gift of Work. However, Heatley also recognizes Willard's influence on him and explains that Willard has served as an important mentor in his life. In this light, it seems natural that Heatley would share Willard's ideas.

So is there a place for The Gift of Work along with Willard's works? I think so. While Willard writes with a clear voice, I think The Gift of Work presents even simpler language. And the short length is great for those who don't normally like to read but need some guidance concerning their burnout with work.

Heatley also encourages his readers to approach the disciplines reasonably. For instance, he says if you've never fasted, start by refraining from a particular food or one meal on a given day. Or with reading the Bible, he suggests starting with five minutes a day and gradually increasing to thirty. Any Christian at any stage of experience or maturity could carry out the practice points Heatley suggests.

I wouldn't recommend this book across the board, but I think it could provide help for Christians who are frustrated with their workplaces or Christians who are new to the idea of spiritual disciplines.