09/03/2026
From the very beginning of Genesis, humanity has been created to trust God, walk with Him, and even work or labor with Him to be participants in God’s plans and purposes. We were created to enjoy the work, and labor God gave us to accomplish, but now because of our pride, selfishness, and sin, we often experience a painful toil from our work. How can we recapture our purpose, joy, and truly being productive, especially for God’s kingdom, through our personal job(s), daily work, and exerted efforts?
Here are a few Bible passages to keep on our minds about work:
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV) - “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also, that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (ESV) - “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) - “23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Though I do hope you enjoy the holiday weekend, do you want the holiday because you need a break or refresher or do you really want it because you have lost meaning, purpose, and desire to labor and work well? In his book, “What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done”, Matt Perman shares his Christian view and understanding on productivity–the work we do and what we actually accomplish. He calls his perspective Gospel-Driven Productivity (GDP). He asserts the essence of GDP is this: “We are to use all that we have, in all areas of life, for the good of others, to the glory of God– and that this is the most exciting life” (pg. 27).
You mean God does not want us to work in vain or just to occupy time and space, but He has a divine purpose for all our work and efforts which result not only in God’s glorification but our own enjoyment? Yes! God has a Kingdom and those in Christ Jesus are citizens within His Kingdom. Citizens of the Kingdom of God/Heaven joyfully participate and contribute giving their all which is best for the community of faith.
Maybe you struggle and dread going to work. If that is you, maybe you need to shift in how you view work. Maybe you need to grow in certain skills in order to become more effective and productive. Maybe you have lost the meaning and purpose of what and why you do the work you do and just need to reignite the flame of personal passion. Maybe you just need to be encouraged that the work you do matters to God and matters to those who you serve.
Perman suggests, “We weren’t made to simply respond to stuff all day, but to take action and move things forward” (pg. 21). If you feel your work is just merely “responding,” then maybe having a Gospel, Kingdom, and Christian understanding of work will reorient your view of work to where you begin to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength through the work, labor, and efforts you do here on earth. Enjoy the holiday weekend, your work matters, and begin to enjoy the work God has blessed you to do.
*Quotations from: Perman, Matt. 2013. What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Kindle.
