How do you feel about your work? Do you love what you do or do you consider it a part of the curse to survive? If we look at the first mention of work in the Bible, you may be surprised – and encouraged.
The first use of work, melakah, occurs all the way back in Genesis 2. It gives some hints to how we can approach our work.
And on the seventh day God ended His work, which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. Genesis 2:2
God worked. That means it’s not part of the curse. He gave Adam jobs to do while in the garden – before the fall. When God gives us work, we see a glimpse of His image in us.
Work is creative. God made the heavens and the earth, adding each piece until its beautiful finishing touch. And He pronounced it good. I think of certain occupations as being creative – like artists or architects – but any work that honors God’s Kingdom can be creative. What am I building? Am I growing food for my neighbor? Creating new technology to improve life? Or maybe looking at new ways to do a job better, whatever my occupation?
Work brings order. God created order. After we destroyed that, He gives us the privilege of being engaged in restoring order. Does our work restore relationships? Make numbers add up on a budget page? Line boxes up on a shelf? Whatever piece we play in it, does what we do move things forward to good and not chaos? Whether its fixing cars, teaching kids, cleaning the house or feeding the poor, restoring order is Kingdom work.
Work sends a message. The word melakah from Genesis shares a root with malak – to send or dispatch, like a messenger. The Almighty spoke and the world was created. He Himself became the messenger and the message in His creation. God’s glory is revealed in His work and His creation speaks of His love. Does my work glorify God? Not just in what I do, but in how I choose to do it? Am I diligent and reliable? How do I treat my coworkers and what are the results of my work? Mediocrity is not an option because I bear Christ’s name. My work will send a message; I want it to be the right one.
It has a rhythm. God showed us an example of working and resting. He created for six days and He stopped on the seventh. There are lots of lessons in the Sabbath, but one is that we find a rhythm of working and resting. Work without end does not follow God’s pattern.
God gives us work to do, whether it’s in paid employment, volunteer opportunities or at home. It’s not a curse, but a gift we can approach with gratitude. What a blessing that we can contribute to His world each in our own way.
Thank you, Lord, for work to be done!
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
