A Four Letter Word
I know that pastors are not supposed to use four-letter words. There is a saying that goes something like this, "It's enough to make a preacher swear." Sometimes it hard not to say things that we ought not to say, but this is not one of those talks. Many four-letter words are good, but this one is good but does not always have a positive response. It is the word "work." Let me just share with you some thoughts that have been shared with me through a study we are using called "The Truth Project." This lesson reminded me that God created me with the potential, ability, and design to accomplish good through the work of my mind, spirit, and body's capabilities. Foundations of life are often laid at the beginning of the Bible, and it is valid here.
Let me stop for a minute and give a common misconception to this topic. Many believe that work is a result of man’s sin. A closer examination will reveal that man was created to work before he ever sinned. Here are a couple of concepts.
1. A man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) "God said, let us make man in our image, according to Our likeness." This one is really a tough one to understand, but at least in this context, it means that we are created with the ability to follow in God's footsteps. To do the kinds of things that He does. To think, design, and build as He does. In Genesis 2:2, it says that He rested on the seventh day from all the work which He had done.
2. God told the first man, Adam, that he was to be in the garden and take care of it. Genesis 2:15, “Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” This was before sin was even known in the human race.
Sin did indeed bring another dimension to work. Genesis 3:17-19 says that because of your sin, you will now have to "toil." By the sweat on your face, you will eat bread. The context gives these a negative ingredient that now accompanies work. There is still the reality that we have a God given desire to accomplish things of value by what we do. We work and succeed at some of the most beautiful and useful creations because God gave us that ability. It seems that it can be more fully appreciated and enjoyed as we acknowledge Him and give Him credit for His wonderful creation.
Pastor Lynn Rettig
Musselshell Community Bible Church
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