Worthwhile Work

READ: GENESIS 1:26–2:15; 3:17-19; EPHESIANS 2:10; 4:28

In a certain season of my life, I felt bored. I had mundane chores to perform each day. But simply being “busy” didn’t feel satisfying. I wanted something significant.

I shared my longings with my mom; then she shared her idea. Over the years, our family had saved up multiple boxes of photographs from all kinds of events. Mama asked if I wanted to organize them and place them in photo albums. It seemed like a daunting task. It also seemed like one that would give meaning to otherwise empty moments.

As I secured photos in albums, I saved a few for my siblings. I wrote up memories to accompany the pictures. Then I gave those to my brothers and sister. This project provided purpose for me and for my family.

Though I didn’t realize it, I had craved work. We often complain about work, but God Himself works (John 5:17), and He established work as His good design for us. When God created Adam and Eve, they shared perfect connection with Him, and their work flowed from that relationship. Then they sinned. Ever since then, humanity’s relationship with God has been corrupted by sin, which is why Jesus came. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing that His death and resurrection paid for our sins, that means we have received forgiveness—and we have been reunited with God!

Even before Adam and Eve disrupted their relationship with God, He gave them work in caring for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). After they sinned, Adam and Eve faced “painful toil” in their work (3:17), but God didn’t form work as punishment.

Sometimes we grumble about schoolwork, part-time jobs, chores, or yard work. Yet God lovingly ordained work for His people. And He often chooses to accomplish His work through us! We get to work together with the King of the Universe. So, whether we’re doing work that enables us to earn money, share with those in need, or enjoy satisfaction in creative pursuits, we can experience God’s presence and purpose as we engage faithfully in work. • Allison Wilson Lee

• God delighted in His work when He created the world. What work do you delight in doing?

• How might viewing work as something ordained by God, something He wants to do with us, affect the way we feel about it?

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV)