A Theology of Work
Hard to believe I once ran a few miles with Jeff Wells.
At the outset of creation, God gave humanity the gift of work.
This is not the same as saying we need a job. Eden was just the beginning.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15
At the outset of the Bible, God gave man the gift of work.
Four implications for our work:
1. Work is a good thing.
Work is inherently good, not bad. It is not a result of sin. It is not a consequence of the Fall or the curse. It is not a necessary evil. Work was created before the Fall and given to man as a gift.
God himself works.
2. You are designed for work.
In Genesis 2:2-3, we see that we are designed for Sabbath rest. In Genesis 2:15-17, we see that we are designed for work. We are designed by God to live in the rhythm of work and rest.
Because we are image bearers of a God who works, we too must work as part of our humanness. In fact, without meaningful work, we are not fully alive. We need to work.
This is not the same as saying we need a job. We don’t need a job to be fully human, but we do need work, whether this work is housework, school work, volunteer work, or job work.
The opportunity to work is a gift from God, and your work matters to him.
Are you flourishing at what you do?
3. Your work matters to God.
Does work matter to God?
Yes, it does. God cared about Adam’s work, and he cares about your work. It may seem mundane to you, but it matters. It matters to God.
He wants your work to be meaningful, not a source of frustration or drudgery. It could be that you are doing work that does not fit you. If that is the case, ask God to give you work, whether a job or volunteer work, that fits who you are, that fits your passions and wiring.
John Eldredge’s counsel in Wild at Heart: Do what makes you come alive.
4. Do your work for God’s glory
Transform your work into worship. How does that happen? By doing your work for God. Whatever we do for God, for God’s honor and God’s pleasure, becomes an act of sacred worship.
It is significant that the two verbs in verse 15 ( work and take care of ) are also the two main Hebrew verbs for spiritual service to God. The word “work” is often used in reference to serving God, and the phrase “take care of” is used to keep the commandments.
God is suggesting that the whole point of Adam’s work is not gardening but serving God. Gardening was simply the way Adam served God, but the point is worship, not gardening. “It’s all about you, Lord. It’s all about you.”
Is your work all about Jesus? Or is it about a paycheck?
There is a wonderful story about work as worship. My mentor in seminary, Dr. Howard Hendricks, tells of being on an American Airlines flight that was delayed for six hours out of Dallas. Passengers were irate, and one man was especially difficult. Finally,
Hendricks goes back to the galley to commend the flight attendant. “I have been extremely impressed with the way you handled this difficult passenger. Could I have your name so I can write the company you work for?”
She replied, “Sir, thank you very much but you should know that I do not work for American Airlines.” (Long pause. Hendricks wondered if he was on the right airline. Then she finished.) “Sir, I work for Jesus Christ.”
Ahh, a worshiper!
This is the way God designed us to work.
Whom do you work for?
This week’s post is from Jeff Wells, author and pastor of WoodsEdge Community Church. I once ran a few miles with Jeff Wells in Oregon.
Our photo: On nearly every street in Spain, you’ll find men and women working. Selling food, busking, hustling. In the summer, it’s hot, in the winter, it’s freezing. It’s no Eden.