Even more important is the inseparability of work and worship. Worship must be related to work, and work must grow out of worship. In many places in the Christian world, when the Lord's Supper is celebrated, the elements of bread and wine are brought forward by the people at the appropriate time in the service and laid upon the table-symbolic of the way in which man's work (the growing of the grain, the cultivation of the vine) is offered to God for his blessing.
When the elements are blessed and distributed, it is an indication that God deigns to accept these symbols and use them as the visible reminders of his presence. Man's work has been received and blessed and transformed. The very word liturgy, which we use to describe a specific order of worship, meant originally "work" or "public service." Faithful performance of public service was "liturgy"; any work well done was thus service rendered not only to the public but to God. Paul indicates this tie-up when telling the Corinthians to give to those in need: "The rendering of this service [liturgy] not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God" ( II Cor. 9: 12).
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