Rediscovering the Gift of Work

12/02/2024

By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta

 

"Rediscovering the Gift of Work"

 

Genesis 2:15 - "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

 

When we think about work, “gift” might not be the first word that comes to mind. Let’s face it, for many, work feels like drudgery, an unending list of to-dos, often more exhausting than fulfilling. Some of us might even feel a twinge of agreement with Mark Twain, who said, “Work is a necessary evil to be avoided.” It’s easy to think of work as a punishment, especially when we’re stressed, tired, or just trying to make it to the weekend.

 

But here’s the thing—this “necessary evil” mindset about work isn’t what the Bible actually teaches. While it’s true that sin complicated work and made it harder (Genesis 3:17-19), work itself didn’t begin as a punishment. Work existed before the fall, and it was part of God’s good plan. In fact, God worked in creating the heavens and the earth, and He called it “very good.” God gave Adam the job of caring for the Garden of Eden before sin entered the picture, and Adam found satisfaction and purpose in his work.

So, if work wasn’t meant to be a punishment, what was it meant to be?

 

God’s Original Design for Work

 

Let’s go back to the garden, back to Genesis 2:15, where God placed Adam in Eden “to work it and take care of it.” This wasn’t just busy work. God intended Adam’s work to be meaningful—a way for him to connect with and care for creation. Imagine Adam walking through the garden, naming the animals, tending to the plants, all while enjoying the presence of God. Work was a joy, not a burden, and Adam’s tasks were a way to reflect the Creator. There was no dread of “Monday” because Adam’s work was an expression of purpose, a source of joy.

 

But everything changed with sin. After the fall, God told Adam, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it” (Genesis 3:17). Now, work would involve sweat, difficulty, and even frustration. But notice this: it was the ground that was cursed, not the act of work itself. Work became harder, but its purpose remained.

 

Reclaiming Joy in Our Work

 

So how do we reclaim this original, joyful purpose for work, even in a world where work can be tough? It starts by shifting our perspective. Work, in its truest sense, is still a gift—a way we partner with God to care for the world around us. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Whether we’re planting a garden, teaching a class, or sending emails, our work can be an offering back to God.

 

Imagine waking up and saying, “Thank God it’s Monday,” instead of counting down to the weekend. Imagine seeing each task, big or small, as an opportunity to serve God and bring good into the world. It might sound a little idealistic, but this shift in perspective is powerful. When we view our work as part of God’s purpose, even the mundane tasks can become sacred.

 

Reflection and Prayer

 

What would it look like for you to approach your work as a gift? Think about the tasks that feel like drudgery, the parts of your day that seem pointless. What if, in those moments, you asked God to help you see them as opportunities to honor Him?

 

Prayer:
"Lord, thank You for the gift of work. I admit that sometimes it feels like a burden. Help me see my work—even the hard and mundane parts—as an opportunity to serve You. Shift my perspective so I can approach each task with gratitude and joy, knowing that my work has purpose in Your eyes. Amen."

 

Let’s take back our Mondays. May we start each week not with a sense of dread but with an expectation that our work matters to God.