How We Were Meant to Work

Work did not originate from a curse. It existed in a more perfect form well before the Fall in the Garden of Eden.

God created humans and placed them in the garden with work that glorified him, gave us purpose, and fulfilled creation (Genesis 1:28; 2:15, 19–20).

The land of Eden is portrayed as abundant but also full of potential for further growth and upkeep (Genesis 2:5). That humans must “subdue” the land in a caring, orderly way implies that some land was not tame.

Notice a fun detail. Genesis 2:12 references kinds of precious stones, “gold, bdellium, and onyx.” They remain untapped, beautiful, and rich in the land. The passage suggests that Adam and Eve might have mined the land for these precious stones but didn’t. No doubt because their time was cut short of eternity due to their sin.

Giving names to animals is similar to scientific, studious work. Farming gives them physical labor. Genesis 1:28 is often called the “cultural mandate” because, as humans expanded, they would inevitably create culture. Edenic culture would reflect God’s character.

All of it would reflect God’s image in creativity. Suffice to say, God created a world filled with opportunities for work. Humans were made to partner with God in ruling over the earth, becoming kings and queens ourselves with “dominion” over it.

From the very beginning, God created God-honoring, fulfilling, and even hard work wired into us. Tomorrow, we’ll reflect on how we lost the beauty of working with ease and without sin.

For now, reflect on your own life.

• Do you see parallels between the Garden and what you do at your job?
• Were there times when things felt more or less peaceful at your job?
• When, if at all, could you describe work as close to Edenic?

Pray that God will soften your heart about your own relationship with work this week.