Created for Work
Most of our days are spent in work. Therefore, it is essential for us to think about what it might mean for us. For the month of October, the Evergreen community will be discussing Spirit-filled Work. We will be exploring what God says about work and what that, in turn, means for each of us as His children here on earth.
How do we view work currently?
Maybe thoughts of control, approval, or achievement come to mind. We can look at it either positively or negatively. It all really depends on what we believe about work. What is this? Let’s take a moment to explore God’s intention for work from the very beginning.
Genesis 1:26-30 (NIV)
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
He chose us to work alongside Him. God made humanity to actively participate in His creation. Consequently, work becomes our act of worship. Are you grateful as you walk into the office? Are you stewarding the gifts and strengths you have been given? This is about participating with God in His creation. We are participants. We are His partners. What an invitation! We live to work as part of our worship to Him, our Creator. Is this what you believe about work?
And Genesis 2:15 says:
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
We are His participants and He has called us to take care of it. God gifted humanity with work. It is a gift to us. We are created for work. But we are not created to become slaves to work. It is meant to be received as a gift and used as an act of worship. So, how do you view work currently? He has called us to create and the work we create matters to God.
Wow. The work you create matters to God. He entrusted each of us with work in His creation here on earth.
We can take great pleasure in our work and in our achievements. God looked at His work and said it was very good. God took pleasure in what He created.
Ecclesiastes 2:10: My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.
Do we see pleasure in our work? This week try enjoying what you do. Invite God into your ordinary. How can our work be a joy? How can our work be a ministry and not a gruesome task? Paul tells us, “ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23).” Our work is gifted to us by God, and it is our act of worship. This is true, whether you are studying or serving a table or leading your team in meetings. These are all acts of worship. Thank Him and ask Him how you can steward these gifts and these positions well.
Reflection
What is your theology of work? What steps do you need to take to make it a reality?
We work in order to please and glorify God. How are you still trying to please men in your work and in your daily routine?
In what ways can you find pleasure from the results of your daily work?