The concept of work and employment is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's design for human responsibility and stewardship. The Bible presents work as a fundamental aspect of human life, ordained by God from the beginning of creation.

Creation and Work

In the Genesis account, God Himself is depicted as a worker, creating the heavens and the earth in six days and resting on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). Humanity is created in the image of God and is given the mandate to work: "The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it" (Genesis 2:15). This establishes work as a divine ordinance, intended for the cultivation and stewardship of creation.

The Fall and Its Impact on Work

The fall of man introduced toil and hardship into the human experience of work. Genesis 3:17-19 describes the curse upon the ground, resulting in laborious toil for sustenance: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life... By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread." Despite the curse, work remains a necessary and dignified part of life.

Work Ethic and Diligence

The Bible emphasizes the importance of diligence and a strong work ethic. Proverbs 6:6-11 uses the example of the ant to illustrate the value of hard work and preparation: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise... How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?" The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to work diligently and responsibly. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , Paul admonishes, "If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat... we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to provide for their own needs."

Work as Service to God

Work is portrayed as a form of service to God, with the potential to glorify Him. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This perspective elevates work beyond mere economic necessity, framing it as an act of worship and obedience.

Provision and Generosity

The Bible also addresses the purpose of work in providing for oneself and others. Ephesians 4:28 encourages honest labor: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This highlights the role of work in fostering community and generosity.

Rest and Balance

While advocating for diligent work, the Bible also recognizes the need for rest and balance. The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8-10 underscores the importance of rest: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy... On it you shall not do any work." This principle ensures that work does not become an idol, allowing time for worship, reflection, and renewal.

In summary, the biblical perspective on work encompasses creation, the effects of the fall, the call to diligence, the service to God, provision for needs, and the balance of rest. These elements together form a comprehensive view of employment as a vital and meaningful aspect of life.Genesis 1:26-28
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
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1 Timothy 2:1-15
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
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Get the Key to Job.
... Get the Key to Job. An Englishman asked me some time ago, "Do you know
much about Job?" "Well, I know a little," I replied. "If ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/get the key to job.htm

Chapter thirty
... I've been living off a little earnings I saved up during the World's Fair jobs I
got. I'ma carpenter by trade, and I've tried every way I know to get a job. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirty.htm

Christ and the Dog
... There is a jailer in Chicago who, when a man has served his term in jail, gives
him a letter of recommendation so that he can get a job. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/christ and the dog.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case ...
... use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth ... complaint
was faith, ver.1. Many such complaints hear we out of Job's mouth, to ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvii how to make.htm

That if we have Improved Our Character it is Possible for us to ...
... That if we have improved our character it is possible for us to get on with ... brute
creation, according to what is said in the book of the blessed Job: "For the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii that if we.htm

'The End of the Lord'
... That change was the master transformation in Job's case, as it is for us all. Get
closer to God, realise His presence, live beneath His eye and with your eyes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the end of the lord.htm

Job's Sure Knowledge
... These men were miserable comforters, but Job had a real Comforter, they were estranged
from ... goel, if he was able, had to redeem him; and hence we get the word ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/jobs sure knowledge.htm

Job's Regret and Our Own
... Job did." Remember, many have been on Job's dunghill, who knew nothing of Job's
God; many ... removed, by an earnest effort, made in God's strength, to get back to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/jobs regret and our own.htm

The Voice of Job.
... is it nothing less than natural that, feeling as if God wronged him, Job should
yet ... least cherishes as his one hope the idea, that, if he could but get God to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the voice of job.htm

Chapter twenty-seven
... found. As he uttered it, the man with the pistol savagely said, "Jerk out
his watch! We might as well get all we can out of the job!". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-seven.htm

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