PAUL'S THEOLOGY OF WORK AND ITS RELEVANCE FOR NIGERIA YOUTHS' ATTITUDE TO WORK

Work is both socio-economic and spiritual activities that attest to the claim that humans are made in the image and likeness of God. God is the originator of work and he commands humanity to work. An individual’s perception of the origin and essence of work therefore influences their attitude to work either as a creative engagement or burdensome activity. In recent times, the erosion of work ethics has opened a door to different attitudes to work such as laziness, incompetency, lack of thoroughness, gross dependency and illegalities. The recent surge in crime rates has been traced to a growing negative attitude to work among the youth. Obsession with quick money-making, disdain for creative labour and traditional vocations are obvious trends which have continued to breed criminalities across age groups this study aims to explore Paul’s theology of work and its importance for youths’ attitude to work. The study employed analytical method and biblical expository method which include analysis of primary and secondary data. The biblical texts were explored through contextual biblical approach. The study revealed that Paul’s theology of work as human participation in God’s creative work of creation and that work is a mean of self-sustainability and expression of human creativity. Paul’s theology on work is therefore valuable in training and reshaping the mind of the youths about the purpose and dignity of labour. Thus, the study recommends that there should be integration of Paul’s principles into various youth empowerment seminar and skill acquisition programs.