Created to work?

As followers of Jesus we love the idea that God created us for a purpose.  We love the idea that we were created for the glory of God and for a meaningful and significant relationship with him.  But we don’t often celebrate God’s intention of creating people to work.  We often simply view work as a necessary evil to be managed and even avoided if possible.

But that is not the view of work that is presented in Scripture.  Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15 ESV)

Before sin entered the picture, God created people to work.  The problem we face is that we have the wrong view of work and it’s purpose in our lives.  When we think that work’s purpose is simply to make money to allow us to do other things and buy stuff we miss the point altogether.  God created us to work for his glory.  That opportunity exists in every work place in America.

In his book, The Me I Want To Be, John Ortberg writes, “Your work is a huge part of God’s plan for your life, and God intends the Spirit to fill and energize workplaces.” (p. 219)  With the right perspective God can transform the workplace into a place where the Spirit’s presence is revealed.  As followers of Jesus we should not feel guilty about desiring to accomplish, to dream, and to work when we are listening to God’s leading in our work.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24 ESV)  God’s glory can be revealed each and every day as we work for his glory.