We’ve been studying what I call “everyday theology”—developing a biblical understanding of ordinary life. From the moment we wake to the time we wind down at night, what does the Bible say about our daily routines?
The Biblical Foundations of Work
Today, I want to consider a theology of work. What does it mean to have a biblical understanding of work? Does God care about our daily labors, whatever they may be?
This is a crucial part of “everyday theology” because work occupies most of our waking hours. Some of us work nine-to-five jobs. Others raise children, volunteer, or manage household responsibilities. Even those who are retired fill their days with tasks and commitments. Yet, many people see work as little more than a chore or, worse, a necessary evil—something to endure just to pay the bills.
The Bible, however, offers a richer perspective. Our labors are not insignificant. They fit into the grand story God has been telling since creation. A biblical theology of work reveals that work is part of God’s good design. Our jobs—whatever they may be—connect to his plan for the world. From the moment God created Adam and Eve, he gave them responsibilities that would bring him glory.
This theme of work runs throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. It is not confined to a few isolated verses. Sometimes, it appears in explicit commands. Other times, it is found within stories of men and women serving God through their labors. Like many biblical themes, we can trace work through the fourfold framework of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation.
My goal is to answer three key questions:
How does the Bible portray work within the overarching story of the world? In other words, how does work fit into God’s plan?
What specific truths does Scripture teach about work? Is it a blessing or a curse? Has its nature changed over time?
Is there a deeper, eternal significance to our work? Does it matter that we spend so much of our lives doing it? Is work about more than just earning a paycheck?
To explore these questions, we’ll follow the biblical storyline:
Creation: God himself models work and commissions humanity to care for the world.
The Fall: How did sin change the nature of work?
Redemption: How does Christ’s saving work transform our labor?
Consummation: What will work look like in the new creation?
Work in Creation: God's Original Design
Let’s begin with creation. Naturally, we start where the Bible starts in Genesis 1. Here, we meet God as Creator, the first worker. He makes the heavens and the earth in six days (Ge 1:1-2:3). Since he is all-powerful, we might wonder if he is really “working.” Yet Scripture consistently uses the language of work to describe his creative activity.
Consider how Genesis 1 unfolds:
On day one, God says, “Let there be light” (Ge 1:3).
On day two, he separates the waters.
On day three, he gathers the waters and forms dry land.
Each day, he is actively shaping the world. In Genesis 2, he rests on the seventh day not because he is tired, but because his creative work is complete.
It is important to note that work did not begin with Adam. It began with God. He was working before humanity existed, and he continues to work. Jesus said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (Jn 5:17). God did not stop caring for creation after Genesis 2. He sustains all things by the power of his word (Heb 1:3). His work establishes the pattern for human work. Our labors reflect his creativity, wisdom, and purposeful design. In a sense, work is part of who God is.
Clearly, work is about more than earning a paycheck. It is certainly not a “necessary evil.”
As the story continues, we see God give the first man and woman responsibilities of their own. In Genesis 1, God creates man in his image and then commands them to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (Ge 1:28). Later, in Genesis 2:15, he places Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it” (Ge 2:15). Adam is not there simply to frolic. He is there to cultivate and guard the garden. Work is not an afterthought. It is built into the very identity of humanity. We were created to work—to use our minds, bodies, creativity, and talents to shape and steward the world God has entrusted to us.
Genesis 1:28 is often called the “Cultural Mandate”: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (Ge 1:28). This is God entrusting humanity with the task of developing the potential of his creation. That includes agriculture, animal husbandry, naming creatures, building families, constructing cities, and, by extension, all the work that forms human civilization. Over time, skills and knowledge—architecture, engineering, art, music, technology—developed as ways to harness the world’s resources in ways that image and glorify God.
We see this principle at work in Genesis 2:19–20, where Adam names the animals. That may seem like a small task, but it illustrates his role as God’s steward. He exercises dominion in a faithful way, categorizing and naming the creatures God has made. He is cultivating order. This pattern extends to all of us. We take the raw potential of the world and arrange it in ways that honor God. We organize workplaces, design projects, cultivate land, produce goods, and raise families. Each of these reflects God’s own creative power.
We might not typically think of Eve’s creation as a passage about work, but it speaks to our understanding of labor. God sees that it is not good for Adam to be alone (Ge 2:18). So he creates Eve and unites them in marriage, making them “one flesh” (Ge 2:24). But they are not merely a romantic couple. They are a working partnership. They are given the same commission—to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth (Ge 1:28). Marriage is about companionship, yes, but also about cooperation in fulfilling the responsibilities God has given.
Genesis 2 further emphasizes this. Adam tends the garden, but God sees he needs a helper. Eve’s presence completes the picture. Work and family are intertwined, providing stability, encouragement, and a multiplication of effort. Together, they accomplish far more for God’s glory than either could alone. From the very beginning, Scripture presents a high view of families laboring together to fulfill God’s purposes.
This theme continues throughout the Old Testament. When God establishes Israel as a covenant nation, he promises to bless their obedience with abundance. Deuteronomy 28 lists blessings in the city, in the field, upon their families, and in all they put their hands to do (Dt 28:3–6). This is not a prosperity-gospel formula guaranteeing wealth. It simply reveals that God delights in blessing his people, especially when they walk in faithfulness. Psalm 128 echoes this:
“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” (Psalm 128:1–2)
God is not indifferent to our work. If we labor with hearts that seek to honor him—if we refuse to separate our work from our Christian service—he delights in blessing us, both spiritually and, at times, materially. That does not mean we will never struggle. We still live in a fallen world. But work was never meant to be a curse. It was meant to reflect God's glory. Before sin, there was no tension between duty and delight. No Monday morning blues. Work was worship.
The Fall: Work Under the Curse
That brings us to the second stage. Genesis 1 and 2 reveal the ideal—work as part of God’s “very good” creation. But that is not the world we experience today. So what happened?
Genesis 3 gives the answer. Adam and Eve disobey God’s command and eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Ge 3:1–8). This act of rebellion disrupts all of creation, like a disease spreading through every aspect of human existence—our hearts, our relationships, and even our work. As part of God’s judgment, he curses the ground:
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you.” (Genesis 3:17–18)
Work remains, but now it is met with frustration. Labor, once pure and joyful, becomes toilsome and wearisome. We see this play out in the very next chapter. In Genesis 4, Cain’s sin adds another layer of difficulty to his work. After he murders his brother, God declares, “When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength” (Ge 4:12).
From this point forward, work is fraught with perpetual tension. It is both a blessing—because it is part of God’s design—and a burden—because of sin.
We can all relate to this. We deal with deadlines, workplace conflict, exhaustion, and mental burnout. All our frustrations with work can be traced back to Genesis 3. The ground resists us. Our efforts do not always yield the results we hope for. We pour our hearts into our work only to be met with disappointment. If you have ever felt exasperated by your labor, you have felt the echoes of the fall.
The Consequences of Sin on Work
Genesis 4 zooms in on how sin distorts not only the earth itself but also the way we approach work. Cain is a farmer, and Abel is a shepherd. Both bring offerings to the Lord, but God accepts Abel’s and rejects Cain’s (Ge 4:3–5). We could discuss why, but what matters here is Cain’s response. Instead of repenting, he grows envious and kills his brother (Ge 4:8).
From the earliest days of human history, work becomes a battleground for sin. What was meant to be an act of worship and stewardship turns into a platform for pride, envy, and even violence.
Later in Genesis 4, we see human civilization taking shape. Cain’s descendants build cities, forge metals, and create musical instruments (Ge 4:17–22). Technology, art, and engineering—these are all gifts that can and should be used for God’s glory. But sin has a way of twisting good things into idols. That dynamic is still with us today. We may idolize our careers, defining our worth by our success. We may grow resentful when others prosper more than we do. These pitfalls stem from living in a fallen world.
Wisdom for Work in a Fallen World
Ecclesiastes provides a reflective look at the vanity—or “emptiness”—of life when viewed apart from a right relationship with God. The Preacher pursues wealth, pleasure, wisdom, and work, only to lament, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecc 1:2). He questions the value of toil under the sun (Ecc 1:3) and even admits, “I hated all my toil” because he must leave its fruit to another (Ecc 2:18). Yet, amid this cry of futility, he also affirms that labor, when received as a gift from God, can bring joy (Ecc 2:24–25; 3:12–13).
Ecclesiastes offers two perspectives. Without God at the center, work is like chasing the wind (Ecc 2:11). But when we see him as the giver of all good things, we can receive our labor—even the difficult parts—as a blessing. Though burdens remain, work is not meaningless when anchored in the Creator.
Proverbs, meanwhile, provides direct instruction. It extols diligence and warns against laziness (Pr 6:6–11). It emphasizes honesty and integrity (Pr 11:1). It praises generosity (Pr 11:25). Proverbs 31 describes the “noble wife” as an example of industry, skill, and care for her household and community. The message is clear: even in a fallen world, wisdom applied to work leads to flourishing. Hard work, integrity, and trust in the Lord often yield stability and blessing, while laziness and dishonesty lead to ruin (Pr 10:4).
Faithful Labor in Difficult Circumstances
Despite the burdens of labor in a sinful world, Scripture gives us examples of people who honored God in their work.
Joseph is one of the best. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he suffers injustice in Egypt—false accusations, imprisonment, and being forgotten (Ge 39–50). Yet, in every position, he remains faithful. Whether managing Potiphar’s household or overseeing a prison, he works diligently, and God blesses his efforts (Ge 39). Eventually, he rises to second-in-command over all of Egypt (Ge 41:38–41). His story reminds us that even in unjust or undesirable circumstances, God can use our labor for good.
Daniel serves under pagan kings in Babylon and Persia yet never compromises his devotion to the Lord. His wisdom and integrity distinguish him from other officials (Da 1:20; 6:3). Daniel 1:20 says he was “ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters” in the kingdom. His example proves that it is possible to serve faithfully in secular or even hostile environments while remaining true to God.
Nehemiah, hearing of Jerusalem’s broken walls, takes on the task of rebuilding (Ne 1:3–4). He faces opposition, threats, and exhaustion, yet remains steadfast in prayer and planning (Ne 4). The wall is completed in just 52 days (Ne 6:15–16). Sometimes, God calls us to difficult, time-consuming work that requires perseverance. Yet, with his help, remarkable things can be accomplished.
Ruth, a Moabite widow, provides another powerful example. She labors in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi (Ru 2:2–3). Through her diligence and virtue, she gains the attention of Boaz, who redeems her (Ru 4:13–17). What seems like mundane work—gleaning in a field—ends up having eternal significance, as she becomes part of the genealogy of King David and ultimately Jesus.
These stories remind us that work remains meaningful in a fallen world. Sin has made it hard. We battle laziness, greed, and pride. But when we approach our labor with a heart centered on God, it becomes a source of blessing—not only materially but, more importantly, spiritually.
Redemption: How Christ Transforms Our Work
That brings us to the third phase—redemption.
At the heart of Christianity is the work of Jesus Christ—his perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection. And his redemptive work changes everything, including how we view our own labor.
Romans 6 declares that we are united with Christ by faith, meaning we have died to sin and been raised to new life. This transformation affects every aspect of our existence—how we use our bodies, how we spend our time, and how we carry out our daily tasks.
Because of Christ, work is no longer just toil. It is an opportunity to glorify God.
The Gospel and the Way We Work
If sin once corrupted our work, Christ’s redemption renews it. We no longer labor merely for ourselves or to serve idols like wealth or status. Instead, we work out of gratitude to the God who saved us. In a real sense, we become coworkers with him, reflecting his grace and truth through our daily tasks.
A key passage here is Romans 12:1, which calls us to present our bodies as a “living sacrifice” (Ro 12:1). That sacrifice includes our minds, our attitudes, and even our work. If you’re an accountant, you do accounting as unto the Lord. If you’re a teacher, you teach as a living sacrifice. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, you raise your children for God’s glory. This is not just a Sunday commitment. It encompasses all of life.
Romans 12:2 adds, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Our sinful nature tempts us to view work as a means of gaining prestige, wealth, or power. But a renewed mind sees work differently—as an act of service to God. Colossians 3:17 reinforces this: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Consider a workplace with a difficult boss or uncooperative colleagues. If you are working “as unto the Lord,” you will be more patient and kind, even when your efforts go unnoticed. You are not just working for a paycheck. You are working for Christ. That perspective can transform an otherwise dreary job into a mission field, a place of worship, and an opportunity for sanctification.
That does not mean we are free from temptation. Scripture warns repeatedly about turning careers or money into idols. Ephesians 4:28 urges those who once stole to now work honestly so they can share with those in need. Instead of using our skills for selfish gain, we use them for generosity. Colossians 3:5 calls greed idolatry, and 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that the love of money is “a root of all kinds of evils.” It is easy for work to become a platform for pride, a measure of self-worth, or a pursuit of material success. But the gospel pushes back against all of this, reminding us that our worth is in Christ alone, not in promotions, bonuses, or human applause.
Serving Christ in All We Do
So what does redeemed work look like? It is labor motivated by love for God and neighbor, marked by integrity, diligence, and generosity. First Corinthians 10:31 sums it up well: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1Co 10:31). If you write emails, you do it ethically and kindly. If you build houses, you do it with excellence and fairness. If you are a nurse, you care for patients with compassion that reflects Christ. There is no division between “sacred” and “secular.” All honorable work, when done in faith, is an act of glorifying God.
The apostle Paul embodied this mindset. In 1 Corinthians 9, he describes running the race for an imperishable reward (1Co 9:24–25). Though he speaks of ministry, the principle extends to any vocation. We work with discipline, not aimlessly. We labor for God’s glory, not for fleeting accolades.
Ephesians 6 calls bondservants to obey their earthly masters “with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ” (Eph 6:5). By extension, employees—or anyone under authority—should work wholeheartedly, not just when the boss is watching. Colossians 3 echoes this idea: we are not to be people-pleasers, but God-pleasers. And 2 Thessalonians 3 warns against idleness, urging believers to earn their living rather than burden the community.
These passages—and many others—affirm that under Christ’s lordship, work is dignified and meaningful. Even the smallest, most mundane tasks matter to our heavenly Father.
The Consummation of Work: The New Creation
Finally, we come to the consummation of all things—the new heavens and new earth of Revelation 21 and 22. Here, we see a breathtaking vision: “The dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people” (Rev 21:3). Every tear is wiped away. There is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Rev 21:4). Creation itself is freed from the curse, as Romans 8:21 foretells.
And what do God’s people do in this renewed world? Revelation 22:5 tells us, “They will reign forever and ever.” Reigning implies activity, oversight, and responsibility. This takes us back to the Cultural Mandate in Genesis. When God restores all things, we do not simply lounge idly. We serve him in a redeemed creation. Work as we know it will be purified—no more thorns, no more futility, no more vain striving. Our labor will be an unbroken expression of worship, joy, and love.
Daniel 9:24 speaks of the time when transgression will be finished and everlasting righteousness will be established. Isaiah 66:1 reminds us that God’s throne is in heaven, and Revelation 21:22 declares that in the new Jerusalem, God and the Lamb are the temple. His presence will permeate all things, leaving no corner of creation untouched. That includes our future work.
We can scarcely imagine a world where every project, every creative endeavor, and every act of service radiates perfect holiness. But that is what awaits us. The work we do today when done for the Lord is a small foretaste of the eternal joy and purpose we will experience in his presence.
The Resurrection and the Renewal of Work
Central to this future is the resurrection of our bodies. Daniel 12 declares that many who sleep in the dust will awake—some to everlasting life, others to everlasting contempt (Da 12:2). Jesus affirms the same truth in John 5:28–29. First Corinthians 15 clarifies that we will be raised in power, incorruptible, bearing the image of the man of heaven (1Co 15:42–49). This means our resurrected bodies will be fully equipped to serve God without fatigue, sickness, or weakness. Burnout, physical limitations, and the frustrations of toil will be no more. We will be alive in every sense, able to create, cultivate, and work for God’s glory, unimpeded by sin. The lion will lie down with the lamb (Isa 11:6). Sorrow and sighing will flee away, replaced by everlasting joy (Isa 35:10).
Work in the New Heavens and New Earth
This has profound implications for how we understand work. The new creation is not a place of idle boredom or passive existence. It is a world teeming with life and purpose, where each of us, in our resurrected bodies, will use our unique gifts to reflect the glory of our Creator and Redeemer.
We see a glimpse of this in Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. He interacts with people, shares meals, and continues teaching. His resurrection is not a departure from physical reality but its renewal. Likewise, the final state is not an ethereal, ghostly existence. It is a renewed, tangible world where work is restored to what it was always meant to be—worship without weariness, creativity without frustration, productivity without pain.
In Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents gives us a glimpse of the joy that awaits faithful servants. Those who steward their resources well hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master” (Mt 25:21, 23). This suggests that in the eternal kingdom, faithfulness leads to deeper fellowship with our Lord. And if that is true of the age to come, it is the highest motivation for our work even now.
We labor not merely for earthly success, but to please our heavenly Father and grow in our relationship with him. In the new creation, that longing will be fully realized. We will see the fruit of our labor in ways we cannot yet comprehend. We will experience rest, not as mere cessation from activity, but as perfect harmony with God’s will, where work and worship become one seamless reality.
The Eternal Joy of Serving Our King
Revelation 21, Daniel 9, Isaiah 66, and many other prophetic passages point us toward this grand, restored reality. On that day, work will no longer be overshadowed by frustration. There will be no exploitation, no injustice, no toil poisoned by selfish ambition. Instead, every task will be an act of worship. Every effort will be infused with joy. We will love one another perfectly, collaborating on projects for God’s glory, and every moment of work will overflow with wonder and praise.
The curse will be gone. And what remains will be the pure, unending delight of serving our King.
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