From the very first pages of Scripture, we see that work is part of God’s good design. It wasn’t a punishment or a burden in the beginning, in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. God Himself worked! He created the heavens and the earth in six days. He made Adam in His own image and gave him work to do, too. But when Adam and Eve sinned, everything changed. Work was still good, but now it became hard, tiring, and sometimes frustrating.
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Even so, the Bible teaches that everything we do is to be for God’s glory. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a cashier at Wal-Mart, or a doctor at an inpatient mental health treatment center, the way you labor should bring glory to God. The verses below show what Scripture says about working faithfully.
“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” – Genesis 2:15
Before sin entered the world, Adam was placed in the garden to “dress” and “keep” it. That means to cultivate and care for it. Work was part of paradise. This work was given to Adam by God. The Reformers often reminded believers that tending the soil or sweeping a floor could be acts of worship when done with a thankful heart. Work is not worldly; it’s one of the ways we honor our Maker.
“Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee… In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground.” – Genesis 3:17-19
Because of sin, work became difficult. Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden brought pain, exhaustion, and frustration into what had once been perfect. The same ground that once yielded fruit easily would now grow thorns and weeds. Work itself was still good—it was part of God’s plan—but the curse made it hard. The blisters, sweat, and weariness that come with labor remind us that sin has broken the world.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24
When we work, we aren’t really serving a boss or trying to earn the approval of others. Scripture says we are working for the Lord Himself. Whether you mow lawns, take care of children, clean, or study for school, do it with your whole heart as if Jesus were your supervisor. The Puritans used to say that even the humblest job can shine with holiness when done for God’s glory. The Christian doesn’t separate “sacred” and “secular” work;all honest labor can be worship.
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” – Proverbs 10:4
“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” – Proverbs 13:4
These verses remind us that laziness leads to need, while diligence brings reward. God calls His people to be faithful workers. Laziness is not a small fault; it shows a heart that resists effort and ignores responsibility.
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” – 1 Timothy 5:8
God commands us to provide for those in our families. To ignore that duty is to live in open disobedience to His Word. When a man or woman refuses to work though they are able, it isn’t just laziness; it’s sin.
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” – Ephesians 4:28
The gospel changes everything, even how we think about work. Before Christ, we may have lived selfishly, taking what wasn’t ours or wasting what we had. But now, through grace, we labor so we can give. Honest work not only meets our own needs but allows us to help others. That’s what Scripture means when it says “that he may have to give.” Work becomes a channel of generosity.
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” – Proverbs 22:29
When someone works carefully and consistently, God often honors that. And even if the world doesn’t notice those small daily efforts, God does. He sees the unseen hours, the quiet obedience, and the steady faithfulness.
Work began in the garden and will continue in glory. One day, when Christ returns, the curse will be lifted and labor will once again be joyful, free from pain and frustration. Until then, we work with gratitude and endurance, trusting that the same God who worked in creation is still at work in us.
“And whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.