Our oldest son and his wife called us on FaceTime recently. Among other things, we discussed work. I mentioned I can hardly believe someone pays me to do my job! I get to learn so much, regularly face new challenges, and exercise my creativity in multiple ways. And I feel blessed to have work I enjoy.
Not everyone feels that way about work. For many it’s a dreaded chore, a harsh reality of life, or at best, tolerable. You witness people of all walks of life chasing ways to achieve financial independence so they can quit working. Some play the lottery; others place their bets on the stock market. Still others enlist wealth strategists who promise high returns through real estate or some investment combination that will accelerate quitting a job and living off passive income. At the far end of the spectrum, some sidestep work entirely by either exploiting government assistance programs or engaging in more lucrative approaches, outside the law.
I applaud those who invest and don’t appreciate those who cheat, steal or defraud. But when the motivation is simply to avoid working, I question the premise of any of these: that work is inherently bad. Is that how God sees it?
Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it (Genesis 2:15). God gave Adam work before the curse. Work was part of the Eden/ideal lifestyle. God’s original idea of a blessed life for Adam did not involve sitting about aimlessly.
God initiated the concept of work because it benefits people. Work supplies not only money but a sense of purpose, a chance to help others, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It provides challenging opportunities to learn, to grow, to build character, to push ourselves, to cooperate, and to love others we might never have otherwise met.
Adam’s assignment from God gave him purpose and vision for his life, something we all need. Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained (Proverbs 29:18). The New Living Translation says, When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
So, what divine guidance does God offer regarding our attitude toward work? Read just a few verses:
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.
Proverbs 14:23 In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 10:4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
The concept of work doesn’t have to end with retirement, which affords many the freedom to undertake useful work without regard for financial returns. It’s not about whether or not you’re getting paid; it’s what you do with your time.
If you don’t like your job, I encourage you to pray about it. There’s some intersection of your abilities, interests, and a need that will be a match for you. Whether you need a new position or simply a new attitude, God can lead you. He wants to bless your work!
I love this, Carrie – you are so right, whether one is paid or unpain, there is value in work. I shared this with a friend who is struggling in his workplace and given little time to do the work he best is gifted for. Thank you!
oops typo” “unpaid!”