The Avodah Institute is founded on the belief that faith has a role to play in all parts of life, including work. The foundations of Hebrew and Christian teachings insist upon a connection between faith and work. The challenge is for us is to draw on our faith and raise our awareness of God's presence at work.

For example, the Bible teaches that we are not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of one's mind and to live in the world but not be of the world. Implementation of this challenge requires "double listening," to the Word of God and the world. Thus, a living faith is dynamic, articulate, intelligent, and transformative. It does not withdraw or stand in isolation from cultural, technological, and economic developments. Rather, faith actively participates, interprets, learns from, informs, nurtures, and guides the business community.

God, in the earliest pages of the Bible, is recorded, as being busy at work creating a material world that is good. God instructs men and women to serve as "trustees" of creation: to use its resources wisely to help humanity and to glorify God. Further, people are given gifts and talents that are to be employed in daily life. Indeed, working in the business world is a legitimate and valid spiritual calling.

Jesus, as the Son of God, offers a way for people to bring light and truth to the workplace. After all, Jesus Himself was a skilled laborer and many of His disciples were small business owners. Notably, over 50 percent of the parables Jesus told were concerned with and situated in the marketplace. Jesus taught that His followers were to be salt and light in the world, to use their talents faithfully, and not to hide their light under a bushel. He offers powerful and transformative possibilities for all people, including those in business. Jesus met people where they were in daily life and work.

The Holy Spirit, as the breath of life, signals the presence of God. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to guide, teach, and illuminate all areas of our lives, including work. Through the Holy Spirit, business people are better able to discern and obey God's voice amid the inherent tensions and noises of living in an imperfect world. The Holy Spirit is a Presence that can be drawn upon by all who desire to integrate faith and work. Avodah.