Another day, another dollar. Time to punch the clock, put your nose to the grindstone, and survive the rat race. As Americans, we have found many colorful ways to describe the drudgery of our jobs.
For most people, work is a necessary evil – something we must endure on our way to the fun and relaxation of the weekend, vacations, or retirement. Not having to work becomes the ultimate goal.
Then you can relax. Then you can have fun.
Then you can enjoy life.
We often picture paradise as lazily lying on a beach somewhere, sipping margaritas. But try that for more than just a few days. You will end up sunburned, dehydrated, and hungover.
When humans don’t have productive ways to occupy their time, life quickly becomes empty.
God designed us to work. Many people mistakenly believe that work is a result of sin.
But paradise included the blessing of work.
Before the fall into sin, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).
Through work, God blesses us with a sense of satisfaction and purpose (Ecclesiastes 2:24). Through work, God provides for our physical needs (Proverbs 12:14).
Through work, we honor and glorify God (Colossians 3:23).
Work is good for us. The problem is that we don’t live in paradise. When Adam ate of the forbidden fruit, God told him, “Because you have done this … cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life … by the sweat of your brow you will eat your food” (Genesis 3:17-19).
In this sinful world, work takes work. Sometimes – oftentimes – it is exhausting. You may have to work with people who are a challenge.
You may have a boss who is unfair or lazy.
Because of sin, work can feel like a grind or drudgery.
Yet, even in our fallen world, work is still good for us. God wants us to work. In fact, he wants us to work hard. “Whatever you do,” Paul tells us, “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
To be clear, it is important to distinguish between “working” and “having a job.” Some people, due to circumstance, age, or health, are unable to be gainfully employed. But even if you are on disability or retirement, God still wants you to work, that is, to use your time and abilities actively and productively.
Don’t merely work for the weekend. Don’t view work simply as a necessary evil to be endured until you can retire. God promises to bless you even in the most challenging or menial tasks.
So, work hard. Use your time and abilities well. God does not give work as a curse – it is a gift through which he blesses you and those around you.
Pastor Andrew Schroer has been a pastor for over 25 years and is currently serving at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Edna, Texas. You can find his latest books, “364 Days of Thanksgiving” and “364 Days of Devotion,” on Amazon.com.
