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Have you ever wondered why work is necessary? Believe it or not, it goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Let’s read about it in Genesis.
Read This
Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:6-7, 17-19
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Did you notice in Genesis 2 that God’s original plan was for Adam to work the land and take care of it? God created us to work and intended for work to give our lives value and meaning. It was only after man had sinned that work became something that was hard and sometimes painful.
It’s important that we understand that there is a direct correlation between working and earning money. Money allows us to buy things we need to live such as food and shelter. It also helps us do fun things like go out to eat, take a vacation, or give to a person in need. Work is about more than money, and is actually part of God’s bigger plan for our lives. Let’s watch this clip from The Princess and the Frog that shows us a lot about the importance of work.
Watch This
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Wow! There is so much good stuff going on in this clip that it’s hard to catch it all. Tiana temporarily works two jobs and sacrifices hanging out with her with friends in order to reach her goal. She is willing to save her money for something really important. And finally, Tiana doesn’t just get by; she works hard, and does her work with excellence, a positive attitude and a smile. Let’s read a few verses from God’s Word that teach us about the importance of work.
Read This
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, Colossians 3:23
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These verses reveal a couple of truths about work. First, God allows us to work in order to survive and avoid being a burden on others. Secondly, our work is a way to honor God. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” We must realize that regardless of our or job title or salary, God allows us to work as a way of bringing value, fulfilment and meaning to our lives. Let’s get to work.
Ask This
- What is a “job” that you have? What are some ways you can do that job “with all your might?”
- What are some ways we can help each other have a better attitude about our work?
Pray This
Father, thank you for the work you give each of us to do. Whether it is going to school, making a bed, or going to a job, remind us to work with all our hearts as if working directly for you. Forgive us for when we focus only on whether our work makes us happy or feel good. Instead, help us embrace the dignity of work and work hard in everything we do. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.