God's View Of Work Series

God’s View of Work

Genesis 2:1-15

Big Idea: Work is a holy calling requiring our all in partnership with God.

Today let us look at God’s view of work. Genesis 2 tells us work untainted by the Jump to Ruin. Genesis 3 shows ruined work. We will look at several Scripture to see how redeemed work could be done.

Work is an important part of our lives. We’ve all heard about people’s love-hate relationship with work.

Have you ever heard this popular saying? “No one on his deathbed ever says, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office.’” This modern proverb is on its way to becoming a classic. In fact, only one thing keeps it from achieving timeless status as a Great Truth of Life.

It’s not true.

In point of fact, many people on their deathbeds do regret not having spent more time at the office. Albert Einstein’s last words to his son were: “If only I had more mathematics!” The French composer Ravel’s final utterance was: “I still had so much music to write!” American engineer and inventor James Eads departed this world with: “I cannot die! I have not finished my work!” Charles Darwin voiced only one regret as he lay dying: “I am only sorry that I haven’t the strength to go on with my research. I’m sure most of us have heard Thomas Edison’s famous quote: "Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.”

And who will ever forget one of Jesus famous last words on the cross, “It is finished.” He came for work and finished it.

Paul expressed the same joy and satisfaction over his life: “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.” 2 Tim 4:6-8 (NLT)

Sadly, for a lot of people the joy, the meaning, the blessings, the sense of fulfilment that ensues from work, is missing. Instead, work is viewed as something to be endured, not enjoyed. For a lot of people, work is almost viewed as a necessary part to be alive. You work to live. You live to work.

Car sticker – “I am not in a hurry, I just on my way to work.” Jerome K Jerome admitted: “I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.”

Is that the way you feel about your work or is your job merely something to endure so that you can pay the bills? Let me state, right up front, that God has uniquely shaped you for a particular vocation. He never intended that we finish up the work week and say “Thank God it’s Friday!” As people of faith we are to take God to work with us to that we can actually say “Thank God it’s Monday!”

Let’s be honest, though, for many of us work is not something to be excited about. It’s something we’d avoid if we could. I read a story of a Company Owner who would bring all his workers for a pep talk once a month. Once he told them, we’re just bought several robots that would do a lot of the mundane works. This will surely make your work easier. (Do we have to report every “Wednesday?”) People will avoid work if they could. They look forward to vacations and the end of the week, “TGIF”; “TJIS”; “TJIM”. I think it’s because we don’t have a proper perspective on work.

The first thing that you must understand is that …

1. God is a worker.

I worked through Genesis 1-3 this week preparing for our January 25 project, and noted one interesting truth about God: He is a working God. He is creator; a Potter; a Planter; A Commander; An Evaluator and Rectifier; a Builder.

Notice Jesus’ words:

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” John 5:17

God works. Obviously he doesn’t have to bring home a paycheck, but he works nonetheless. The Bible reveals that there are two big reasons why God works. First, God’s work reveals who he is. Look at Romans 1:20.

”From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 (NLT)