When Work Is Cursed
by David Chadwick
In Genesis 1-2, God declared work to be very good. Both manual and mental labor were to be enjoyed by Adam and Eve.
But a treacherous rebellion occurred in Genesis 3. Sin entered God’s once-perfect world. It shattered everything – including work.
God then stated that Adam would labor with frustration, never fully enjoying work (Genesis 3:17). Humanity would follow suit and experience the same emotion.
Work had become cursed.
God never intended for Adam and Eve, or you and me, to find our identity in our work.
Yet we still try to do so.
We labor tirelessly in our jobs, thinking that by earning more money and owning more and more possessions we will impress more important people (often people we don’t even like). Then life will have meaning, we wrongly believe.
But we still remain empty inside. Day in and day out, we continue to labor. Then, at the end of our lives, we cry out with Solomon, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. Life is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
It doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus loves you and died on the cross to give you eternal life. When you receive him as Savior, your identity is found solely in him. Whether you have a good or bad day at work won’t matter because you are loved by him. Whether you have a lot or little at the end of your life, it won’t matter because you are loved by him.
Your worth is not in your work. It’s found in your personal relationship with Jesus. He is your sufficiency. You find contentment in him.
And Jesus will be with you as you enter your workplace.
Believe this, and your life and work will take on a new meaning and purpose.
Transform your perspective on work!
Don’t miss your chance to get David Chadwick’s inspiring series On the Job as our thank-you for your gift to share hope with more people!
Most of us go to work merely because we have to. But when you work as for the Lord, everything changes.
In this four-part audio series, you’ll discover:
- How your identity in Christ empowers you at work
- How you can turn work into a Christ-centered mission
- How you can practically practice your faith at work
- How you can find that ever-elusive work-life balance
For more from Moments of Hope, visit us at MomentsofHope.org.
