The ambition of Garriott is to provide for his readers a biblical perspective of work (thus the subtitle). In this he partially succeeds. Work Excellence is an uncomplicated book addressed, I would think, to those either young in the faith or those who have never thought seriously about what Scripture has to say about work. Some good principles are given, as well as fine biblical examples of men like Daniel and Joseph. I also believe that Garriott’s chapter on our calling to specific employment is well balanced. More serious readers may be frustrated that Garriott did not wrestle with the more thorny issues—but this clearly was not his intent.
More problematic was the author’s forcing passages of Scripture, which were dealing with other issues, to undergird his principles on work. The parable of the talents (chapter one) is not addressing work ethics nor is the story of man seeking eternal life (chapter eight) the call to repentance from the sin of turning one’s employment into a god. The story of Cain and Abel similarly is not a passage “about their work as it relates to worship” (p. 33). Garriott also takes an Old Testament law-based view of the Sabbath.
Add it all up and Work Excellence has some, but limited value for most readers.