A Perspective Of Work

Some of you may have probably heard the notion that work is an unnecessary burden or even that work is evil. I think I might have shared the same sentiments at some point in my life but after reading the Bible and exposing myself to certain teachings, I have come to the conclusion that work is Godly and good.

Taking it back to Genesis, which some have termed as the book of beginnings, we see God working- creating the world and living creatures in six days. On the seventh day God rested. We also notice that Adam was given the instruction to till the garden before there was a fall of mankind- it is then evident that the idea of work is introduced to mankind before the fall.

Therefore, work that is legitimate reflects God in some way. Because God is good, that means work in itself- work that is legitimate- is also good. Work isn’t an unnecessary burden or an evil we must avoid.

One of the results of the fall of mankind is that work became harder, mankind was led out of the garden of Eden and they were to live in the “field” where the ground is cursed. Work is still good but mankind should expect to toil- implying challenge, difficulty, exhaustion, and struggle- also expect that the result will not always be positive.

With that being said, I’m in no way encouraging laziness and poor work ethic. Even in this climate where work is more difficult there is grace from God to produce excellent work. We are meant to love God and love our neighbour with our work too. And the most evident way, I think, we can do that is by having good work ethic and to also produce excellent work- Scripture says we should do all things as if we are doing them for God. By producing excellent work we are loving our neighbours too by offering quality products or services to them.

I pray that this article affirms a perspective that some hold and helps others to have a Biblical perspective on work- all for the glory of God.

God bless you.

Scripture Reading

*Genesis 1:1-15 *Genesis 2:1-3 *Genesis 2:15 *Genesis 3:17-19 *Mark 12:30-31

By: Katlego Monkga Moshatane