Is work a blessing or a curse? We have to go to the beginning of creation with Adam and Eve.
Genesis 2:15 (NKJV): "Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it."
Man's first job was to take care of the garden. We could call this work, but in fact it was more of a responsibility. The work they did was out of love for God and the blessings they received. This was only one part of what people were to do.
Genesis 1:26 (NKJV): "Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” "
We were to populate the earth and rule over it. This included building towns, raising food, developing and discovering new things, and protecting it. This was the original plan for humans. We could call this work, but it was not work in order to live and survive. That part would be provided easily by God's perfect creation.
We would only be doing enjoyable things that nobody today would probably label as work. There was no plan for becoming wealthier than another and leaving people lacking. Sharing, caring, loving, and blessing would be the mindset. They would not be worrying about what to eat, wear, or where to live. Nobody was to be envious or yearn for a better life.
The introduction of sin threw all of this into chaos. God's original plan for man and the earth was still valid, but now by the sweat of his brow would he eat and survive. And that would be the true definition that we should give "work."
Remember how Jesus described how God the Father provides for the animals? Jesus does not reference any work the animals do, but we know many animals now fight for survival. We ruined God's perfect plan for them as well.
Needing to work to survive was never part of the original plan. We only have to look around us to see how that turned out. We have billions of people living in poverty, while others have relatively easy lives.
Some work very hard and barely survive. Living conditions can be harsh. Water and food is lacking in various parts of the world.
Others work more to buy more things. They have plenty of food, water, shelter, but they yearn for more. In countries like the United States we have what we call workaholics. People who are just involved in work 24 hours a day.
Remember this as we put modern work into perspective. Our true calling since the beginning was only God's work. Our work life can now get in the way of that. Your job is a blessing only if it is providing the following:
⦁ Healthy food, appropriate clothing, and housing.
⦁ Contributions to the work of the church.
⦁ Satisfaction with what you have, and not wanting more and more.
⦁ Enough time to unwind and rest from your labors.
⦁ Enjoy the Sabbath.
⦁ Help others in need.
⦁ A pathway to retirement or survival in later years.
⦁ Living a Christ-like life.
Sadly, many working people today are unsatisfied with that list. They either want more, or they have no heart for God's work. Some are unsatisfied. They want it easy. They want it fast, and many times, they want it free.
You alone must ask yourself if your job is a blessing or a curse. All jobs and careers can be honorable and valuable.
It is worth noting that Jesus in Matthew 6, tells us that God's plan of providing for us is still somewhat intact.
Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV) " "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." "
What is Jesus telling us our true "work" should be?