6 Words That Will Change Your LifeSample

Lots of people think that work is one of the unfortunate consequences of the Fall, something that descended upon us humans after Adam and Eve got themselves kicked out of the Garden of Eden.  

However, work was part of God’s intentions for us from the very start—work that was ordained by Him and held meaning and purpose, that is. 

“Be fruitful and increase in number…” For anyone who’s ever had children, that statement alone is clearly a recipe for work. Our offspring are a joy and delight, but they are also a lot of work—round the clock feedings, making sure they don’t eat dirt or run around with sticks in their mouths, and so on.  

And that’s just the kids! God’s assignment for humanity before the Fall goes way beyond making babies and raising them.  

Subdue the earth…rule over all the living creatures…in other words, cultivate creation and take care of it. 

So why did He give us work to do? Because we are created in His image and He’s a creative, purposeful God. As God laid out the foundations of the world, Scripture tells us that He was at work.  

In the creation account, we even see God repeatedly assessing His work, making sure that it was good and taking pleasure in His good work.  

God created us to take pleasure in expressing creativity, in our accomplishments, and in finding purpose and meaning in the tasks He’s given us to do. 

My first job was as a hay hauler. My second job was as a roofer.  My third job was as a pizza delivery driver. My fourth job was as a UPS guy.  

From the world’s perspective, none of these jobs were very fun, but I strived to keep my head down and work hard. Why? Because of the Apostle Paul words in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, …" 

So, in the midst of the daily grind of work, whether on the job, on the home front or as a volunteer laborer in Christ’s church, never lose sight of the truth that work was ordained by God way back in the Garden before the Fall.  

Does your attitude toward work need a recalibration in order to come into alignment with God’s original intent for the role of work in your life?  

Whether you find yourself on the job or the home front, talk to God about your work responsibilities today. Make a conscious effort to purposefully give your work to God.