Even though it’s buried, that intrinsic desire within us to work is still there. And that’s not just a Christian belief.
Our longing to create, build, operate, to do something using our own abilities isn’t just a character trait or personality type. It’s a desire and urge that God created within the DNA of every human being.
2. We Work Because God Works.
The Bible begins with God’s story of creation—with him working. This wasn’t something God had to do, but something he wanted to do. There was beauty, creativity, structure, and joy in God’s work. And even as Jesus was walking on the earth he was actively holding the universe together himself (Colossians 1:16-17).
As image-bearers of God, we work because God works. We share in his delight and enjoyment of work.
This truth really isn’t that difficult to see. Think of something you’ve worked on, labored over for hours. Think about that moment when that project, creation, or task is finally completed. You feel a sense of value and pride in what you’ve accomplished.
This enjoyment of your work starts at a young age. I’ve seen my one year old son’s eyes light up when he successfully stacked four legos together. He labored and toiled to connect his legos into a structure sturdy enough to carry over to me in order to show me his work. It genuinely brought him a sense of joy and pride.
We work because God works. See your work as part of being created in his image.
3. Work is Worship.
I’m always blown away by the way God has so carefully interwoven who we are, in order to fulfill the purpose of bringing him glory. To think that our desire to work, which was designed by God, is itself an invitation to glorify him is far more complex and beautiful than my mind can comprehend. It truly reveals God’s care and love, which is so much of who he is.
Even though we’re equipped with the opportunity to use our work as worship unto the Lord, it’s something we have to choose. This is the call of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not man.” This requires action on our part.
As a follower of Jesus, you should reflect Christ by being the best employee in your workplace. That doesn’t just consist of doing your job well, but also being a good employee. We should be the ones that are on time, the ones who accomplish what’s requested of us whether our supervisor is watching or not, the ones who never contribute to the office gossip. We should work unto the Lord.
When we allow our work to be worship to the God who gifted us with work, it will truly change the way we work. As Martin Luther said, “It’s only by grace that you can truly work to the glory of God.”
The way you see your work changes when you realize that you were wired to work, that God himself works, and that work is worship.
