Do you work to live, or live to work?
That’s one way of dissecting why we work. But what do we work for? Whether you’re a dentist, a plumber, a clerk, a lawyer, a bricklayer, or a corporate executive, what is it that you expect to achieve out of doing what you do every day?
For some folks, all they want is to earn enough to pay the bills and live comfortably. For others, amassing as much wealth as possible is what they work for. And some people would gladly work for free and still get paid. An example would be certain Michelin Star chefs. They combine their passion for creating fine cuisine with a keen understanding of the restaurant business. Or a sky-diving instructor — talk about having fun at work!
The Michelin Star chef might be in it for fame and notoriety. For the sky-diving instructor, it could be the rush of the free-fall that does it for her. Professionals like accountants, dentists, lawyers, and engineers could enjoy the academic challenge to excel. While the plumber, bricklayer, corporate executive, or clerk might work to feel worthy.
We were created to work. Even before the fall of Man, our duty was to subdue the earth. Heroesbibletrivia.org goes on to explain. “Adam and Eve were blessed by God to, ‘rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’. This blessing granted them, ‘the right to utilise for (their) necessities the vast resources of the earth, by agricultural and mining operations, by geographical research, scientific discovery, and mechanical invention’”.
In his article, “Why God Created You for Work”, Barrett Duke has the same view. “Part of our purpose as humans, created in God’s image, is to work. The Bible even has many unflattering things to say about people who are too lazy to work.” He goes on to add, “God made humans to be producers. Forget all this stuff about humans as consumers. We are not at our happiest when we are consuming things. We are at our happiest when we are making things, doing things — working. That’s because in working, we are fulfilling part of our divine purpose, and at a subconscious level, we know it”.
Doing meaningful work is not only fulfilling it is energising. Working with purpose and seeing results from your efforts perpetuates more work. You want to work. Weekends and home time sirens get in your way. Your feeling of worthiness compels you to work harder. Striving to do your best is the only way you know how. Your work is not an interruption to your life, it is an integral part of it.
God worked for 6 days and rested for one. That should say enough. By the sweat of my brow, I will earn my keep. Working provides you with the means to look after yourself and others. Uplifting and helping those in need is only possible through having the means to do so. Our work influences not only our lives but it extends throughout the world.
As Barret Duke concludes, “You make a difference through your work. May God bless you as you serve Him today wherever you are and in whatever you do.”
Have an awesome weekend and please remember to be generous! 😄
As always, thanks for reading 🙏
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