Who invented work? Is it the invention of a capitalist society obsessed with wealth accumulation? Is it perhaps a curse that came to humanity because of the sin of Adam and Eve?
GOD IS A WORKER
The Bible presents to us that the ultimate worker is God Himself. It is enough for us to read the first chapter of the book of Genesis, which teaches us how God worked to create in Genesis 1. Jesus Christ, when He was among us, worked constantly. For this reason, He was harshly criticized by the Jews of His time. He worked miracles and evangelistic works constantly. Jesus said:
“My Father has been working until now.” John 5:17
GOD CREATES MAN AND PUTS HIM IN PARADISE TO WORK
God created Adam and blessed him, placing him in what we call paradise, “the garden of Eden,” giving him the task of working it long before they sinned.
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” Genesis 2:15
Later, man and woman sinned, and God punished them by making the task of work more complicated. It seems that one of the objectives God had with this punishment was for man not to have such an easy task of obtaining what is necessary to live and to be busy working.
“Then to Adam He said, ‘Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: ‘Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.‘” Genesis 3:17-19
As previously stated, work is not a curse, but as a result of sin, work is complicated and difficult.
WORK IS AN OBLIGATION
In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, it details how work is an obligation for Christians. The Word exhorts us to separate ourselves from those who lead disorderly lives and seek idleness, minimal effort, and laziness.
“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Some people are eager to be out of work and have paid vacations through unemployment benefits. They fail to realize that such attitudes are unchristian and do not bring happiness. Others work little or poorly, being lazy, and end up losing their jobs. Then they ask for money from family and friends because they cannot make ends meet. Others won’t lift a finger unless they are paid “their price.” They fail to realize that God is the one who provides everything and that we work for God.
“For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.” 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12
WITH WORK WE MUST PROVIDE FOR OUR OWN
With work, we must provide for our family, both directly and indirectly if there is a need.
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
If someone does not provide for their own, they are worse than an unbeliever, even denying the faith by refusing to provide sustenance. It also urges us to share our work with those in need.
“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.” Ephesians 4:28
WORK SHOULD BE OFFERED TO GOD
It is a pity when people only think about money when they do a job or try to take advantage beyond what was agreed upon. Who hasn’t hired a builder or carpenter who gave a certain budget for a job and finally did it quickly and poorly, or tried to get an additional payment that was not in the budget? Those people fail to realize that God is the one who provides payment and remuneration for work.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
With these verses, the Lord tells those who work that we should do it to please Him and not to please men (v. 22). We should work as unto the Lord and not only to men (v. 23) and that when we work, we are serving Christ (v. 24).
Do not work to please your boss or the one who hired you, but to please God. When you do a job in the company where you work, you are working for Christ.
“With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord” Ephesians 6:7-8
We should seek excellence in our work not because we are being watched.
“Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:6
We should always give others more than they have expected from us for our work. Jesus Christ told us clearly:
“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:41
WE SHOULD BE AMONG THOSE WHO CARRY AN EXTRA MILE
CONCLUSION
Work with the mindset that work is a blessing from God. Work and do everything for God. If the job you are in does not please you because of a bad atmosphere or it is not the right fit for you, pray to God for a better job that will give you the opportunity to grow spiritually. God is the one who provides jobs, and if you ask Him, everything will turn out well.
