Stewardship Of WorkSample

God Created Man To Work In Partnership

God could have created the garden to be self-sustaining with no need for any maintenance, but He didn’t. Instead he created humans to “work” the garden and to “take care” of the garden with the idea of making it flourish. 

God’s original plan was for man to work alongside Him in cultivating, keeping and guarding His created world. God planted the garden, but man is asked to cultivate it. 

In Genesis 2 v 20, God brings the animals before man for Him to name. God names the night and the day, and He also calls the stars by their names. They are His. But His partnership with man means that God calls man to name the animals and calls mankind to rule and oversee much of the created world we live in.

This is God partnering with man, and God says that this is good.

We sometimes think of partnering with God only when we are involved in evangelism. or do something really special, or perhaps something positive. But the truth is God has chosen to work with and alongside mankind in the operation and cultivation of His world. So everything we do is part of God’s work.

Martin Luther the great reformer realized that everything we do is a part of God’s work. He puts this quite clearly when he writes, “When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we ask God to give us this day our daily bread. And he does. The way he gives us our daily bread is through the vocations of farmers, millers, and bakers. We might add truck drivers, factory workers, bankers, warehouse attendants, and the lady at the checkout counter. Virtually every step of our whole economic system contributes to that piece of toast you had for breakfast. And when you thanked God for the food that he provided, you were right to do so. “So when a person milks a cow, God is milking the cows through their vocation. According to Luther, vocation is a “mask of God.” He is hidden in vocation. We see the milkmaid, or the farmer, or the doctor or pastor or artist. But, looming behind this human mask, God is genuinely present and active in what they do.

According to Col. 3:23-24 then, you actually are “in the Lord’s work” if you are a follower of Christ. He is your boss no matter whatever your job is.

The job you do is to be done for the glory of God because you are co-workers together with Him.

Quote: If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!- D.L. Moody

Prayer: Lord I thank You, that I am not alone. I am a co-worker together with You. You are my partner. Help me to do my work for Your glory. Amen