Creating Man: Gifts for the Adventurous Sample

Work

One of the fantastic things that separates humans from the animal kingdom is not only our opposable thumbs, it's the gift of work. We discussed earlier how there was a problem on the earth. There was no man to "work" the garden.

All men and women are created for a task of some kind. Man's task is called work. Work was not a part of the curse of sin. Work was the original plan of God for all men to participate in on the earth. After the fall, the ground became cursed, and now work would be more challenging. We would have to work to eat, but work itself was not cursed.

Remember, Christ redeemed us from all curses. Work for a follower of Christ does not come from the attitude of "I have to work" but rather "I get to work." I get to serve. I get to show love in this practical manner. Work is a blessing in so many ways.

Work gives us a sense of accomplishment. Work can provide confidence, growth, and experience. Work can allow you to exercise your talents, lead others, and discover new methods. Work helps us solve problems, heal people, and contribute. Work can give us a community to minister and serve. Work grows us spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Work is awesome.

As a psychologist, I am a huge fan of work. A man with nothing to do can become funky or get in trouble easier than a man on a mission. Work, I believe, is pleasurable. I will never forget a line from a movie, Chariots of Fire, which was about an Olympic runner. He said, "When I run, I feel His pleasure." He was referring to God.

I believe when we work unto the Lord and try to serve Him through our work, we move toward our destiny. We find pleasure not only in work itself but also in hearing the Father's voice of "Well done, good and faithful servant." To hear well done, we must have "done" something.

I encourage you to emulate your attitudes and beliefs around work. Do you have a "get to work" attitude or "have to work"? Do you work to provide, or do you work to serve the King of Kings? Your mindset about work can affect many areas of your life. I find the happiest and hardest working men are those who believe work is a privilege. God created you to work, so enjoy this aspect of your creation with all your heart.