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The Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is world’s largest fish market, moving 700,000 tons of seafood annually, with over 60000 employees; auctioneers, wholesalers, accountants. Together they serve both sellers and buyers; fishermen, restaurateurs and the top sushi chefs of Japan. While watching the documentary ‘Tsukiji Wonderland’, I was struck by the scale of Tsukiji market, inspired by the passion in craftsmanship, and heartened by the importance placed on relationships, which come first in the market.

(Watch the trailer here.) 

The craftsmanship of sushi chefs is world renowned, and in the film, it is breathtaking to see the level of care, detail and passion in the meticulous strokes required to prepare just a single piece of sushi. But we also see the expertise and professionalism of the wholesalers and auctioneers, and the chefs acknowledge that no one knows seafood like they do.

In the Bible we see that God values beauty, craftsmanship, excellence, and relationships.  In fact in Job 38 he is described as a great Craftsman. We see God’s craftsmanship in his creation, and in the way he gives humanity the ability to create. We are created ‘like God’ in being creative beings.

In the Bible we see human craftsmanship celebrated in the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 31), the temple (1 Kings 7), and the repairing of the city after the exile (Nehemiah 3). In each case, craftsmen are listed by name. It was important to God that they be remembered, and the work they did be remembered. The Bible also honours skillful work:

‘Do you see a man skillful in his work?
 He will stand before kings.’ [Prov 22:29]

In the New Testament we see the city of God brought to fulfilment in the book of Revelation, and we see its craftsmanship on display in the beauty of its gold streets and precious stones of the new city (Rev 21). The Bible as a whole affirms the goodness of work, and particularly of excellence in work.

Pastor Tim Keller speaks of two ways in which our faith influences our work. Firstly, God uses human work to provide for our needs. God provides food for every living thing, (Psalm 136), and he strengthens the bars of the city gates (Psalm 147). How does he do this? Through the ordinary work of the farmer, the metalworker and the engineer.  Since God uses our work to bless others in this way, God stands behind the work of the world, giving those who do it great honour.

Our faith also protects us from being corrupted by our work. Today’s workers are tempted to compromise their character in order to achieve results. Yet as a sushi chef notes in the film, ‘Small compromises lead to bigger ones down the line.’ The Bible gives us a clear moral compass, something the world lacks, which is able to protect us if we follow its teaching.

So we should take heart in your efforts to produce excellent, godly work, knowing that God sees, honours, and remembers your work, especially work that helps or provides for others’ needs, even if it is unseen or unappreciated by the world.

‘Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.’ [Col 3:23]