“On the seventh day God completed his work…” (Gen. 2:2)
The Bible begins with work. God’s creation of the world is called work. Adam, made in God’s image, was created to “work it (the Garden of Eden) and watch over it.” (Gen. 2:15)
I think work is a very important part of what it means to be human. In fact, I would go so far as to say it is part of what it means to be made in God’s image. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American works 44 hours per week, or 8.8 hours per day. We’ll spend 1/3 of our life – or 90,000 hours – working. So it is a very important topic.
We don’t really think of work much until we can’t do it…it’s deemed “non-essential”…or we lose a job…or 14.7% of our nation is unemployed and suicide rates jump 20-30%. Then we’re reminded just how important work is in life. We want to make sure we get it right.
We can get it wrong. Psalm 127 says: Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat– for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:1-2)
I don’t know about you, but the idea of wasting 1/3 of my life is disheartening. I don’t want to get work wrong. Because, when we get it right, it is satisfying, brings dignity, and has purpose. It makes life “on the road” much more pleasant.
Join us Sunday and we’ll talk about it!
