Scripture: Genesis 2:15 NKJV
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.”
My story
Looking back, I can see how the Lord introduced me to the life of work. In my early days, much of my work involved serving for free, working for fun, volunteering, and helping wherever I could. I remember detailing automobiles for a family business for much less than the regular car wash price. I enjoyed doing it, and it also helped me save for personal needs.
Now, I understand that those experiences were training me and shaping the right attitude toward work. Today, I see many people approaching work with a hustling mentality, comparison, a desperate desire to become rich quickly, and a “do-or-die” mindset. I also remember my first paid job in North America and how I surrendered the proceeds to God. That experience taught me that my true source is God, not just what I do.
Because of this, I have learned to approach work with a heart that is detached from desperation but committed to purpose. In this episode, I will share a godly, Bible-based approach to work and how believers can find fulfillment by working with purpose.
Work Is Godly
From Genesis 1:26–28 and Genesis 2:15, we see that God created the garden and placed man in it to tend and keep it. This shows that man’s first responsibility was work. God Himself worked from the beginning of creation, and He is still working to sustain all He has made.
Work has always been part of life. However, we must not make work the meaning of our lives; rather, work should bring meaning to life. God uses not only pastors and ministers, but also professionals, caregivers, service workers, businesspeople, and everyday people to fulfill His purpose on earth.
In Genesis 1, the world was formless until God brought order to it. Imagine today if everyone quit their jobs—how disorganized the world would become. Work helps maintain order, serve humanity, and reflect the nature of God.
When Does Work Become Stressful?
Genesis 3:17–19 and Ecclesiastes 2:17–26 show us that work itself is not a curse, because work existed before the fall. However, after man fell outside the will of God, work became mixed with thorns, thistles, frustration, pressure, and struggle.
We also see in Genesis 11:1–9 that the people who built the Tower of Babel worked with the wrong motive. They wanted to make a name for themselves and settle in one place against God’s purpose. Their work became an idol, and it eventually brought confusion and division.
This teaches us that we can work outside the will of God, and sometimes even work against the will of God. We must pause and examine our hearts. Has work become an idol? Has ambition replaced obedience? Has the desire to make a name for ourselves taken the place of glorifying God? It is not too late to amend our ways.
The Essence of Work
1. Work to the glory of God
Ephesians 4:28
We are not justified by our works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, our work should not become our identity or our righteousness, but an expression of our worship and obedience to God.
2. Work to make a difference
Our work should point people to who God is. God is excellent, hardworking, loving, caring, and faithful. As believers, our attitude to work should reflect His nature. As Matthew 5:14–16 reminds us, we are the light of the world, and our good works should glorify our Father in heaven.
3. Work so you can give
Ephesians 4:28 NKJV says,
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands, what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”
One major purpose of work is not only to provide for ourselves, but also to become a blessing to others. God blesses our hands so that we can bless lives.
4. Work with eternity in mind
Revelation 22:1–5 shows us that the completion of all things is toward eternity. Our work on earth should connect with God’s eternal purpose. We are called to partner with heaven, bringing light, order, service, and love into the world.
I hope this blesses someone. I pray that God will bless your sincere labours of love and grant you true fulfillment in all you do.