Why we work

Why DO we work?

God is our creator and we exist to bear his image and glorify His name. God worked to create the universe and everything in it, including humanity. And he said “It is good.” Then He rested. And He tells us to work, to create, to serve and to be joyful in the doing, for His glory. 

Some people believe that work is a punishment from God for the original sin of Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden. But God created us to work, even from the beginning, before sin. He created humanity, Adam and Eve, and placed them in the garden. He told them to work to maintain it and enjoy its bounty. Work is both our responsibility and a source of joy. 

Work is not a punishment, but a blessing that allows us to use our creative gifts and talents to glorify God. Through our work, we are not only to experience some challenge (which will grow us and shape our character), but also to experience joy in the act of creating, happiness in the act of doing, and blessings through service.

And work is not just our jobs but whatever we do that is not rest. By that I mean cooking, cleaning, caring for family or friends or strangers, raising children, gardening, mission work, ministry work and also occupations and vocations. All that we do that is creating or in service of others is work. And God says it should glorify Him.

Colossians 3:23-24 says: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ."

We are blessed with gifts, abilities and skills so that we may use them to bless others. Through the work of our hands and minds, we are called to SERVE. 

1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
— Philippians 2:4, ESV

Proverbs 14:23 “There is profit in hard work, but mere talk leads to poverty.”

So my prayer for you, today and always, is this:

“May you find meaning and purpose, beyond yourself, through the work you do EVERY day and may it glorify God.”

Still,

Jai