The God of Our Work

Deeper Reflection
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CHRIST-FOLLOWERS IN THE marketplace? What does marketplace discipleship look like? Over these two weeks, we will be reflecting on these questions and asking the Holy Spirit to empower us to be faithful worshippers of God wherever we may work, from Mondays to Saturdays.Today we see from verses 1 to 15 that God is the first worker. He created the heavens and the earth. Then He rested from His work in creation. Creation needs to be cared for, just like a garden needs to be tended. God created man and gave him the privilege and dignity to be a worker like Him. Thus, humankind became God’s co-worker − indeed, a co-ruler of God’s creation,⁶³ under God’s authority. All this was prior to the Fall of Man (Gen 3) and the effects of man’s sin of rebellion and disobedience on the work that he was to do. After the Fall, the responsibility of work did not cease for humankind, but the quality of their work experience deteriorated badly. Notwithstanding all that, the theological principle remains. God is the originator of work. He has given us the responsibility of work. Work is a privilege and confers dignity on the worker. And the more our work aligns with God’s purposes in creation and redemption (post-Fall), the more we will find joy and fulfilment in our work in this present life. As God’s people, Christians are to offer our work as worship to God, in that through our work we seek always to please Him, delight His heart and glorify His name. Is that how you view your work?

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⁶³ Genesis 1:26-28.