Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:26-28

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

Work is not often thought of as a good four letter word.

Culture speaks positively about vacations days compared to work days. Most men look forward to the end of a work day. If you mention that your men’s group has homework, you may find that few guys will show. In general, we just don’t think highly of work. Taking the time to think deeply about what God’s Word says about the topic may just change your mind.

We must observe what it means to be made in God’s likeness. Notice the reasoning God gave in verse 26, “so that they may rule.” We were made for and with significant purposeful work. Every human being, born or unborn, has immense value because of purpose for which God created mankind. So why is there tension around the topic of work?  Work was affected by sin. After man had crossed the threshold of sin, our purpose did not change. Work did, however, become more difficult. We must take joy in the fact that God gives us purpose and meaningful work. Next time you are tempted to think negatively about work, praise God for purpose and meaningful responsibility.

DO THIS TODAY: Spend time thanking God for giving you meaningful work.