4 Discouraging Lies We Believe About Work

This Sunday I preached from Genesis 2:15-17. We unrolled the blueprint of Genesis and observed how we are called (particularly men) to be cultivators and keepers/guards of life and beauty wherever God has put us. What often holds us back are 4 discouraging lies we believe about work. (Lie # 1) Work is part of the fall. It is a necessary evil. Genesis 2:15 is pre-fall of mankind and Adam is given work to do by God. Let’s do away with this lie.

(Lie #2) Work is just a “job” but ministry or non-profit work is a “calling.” Adam was not pacing around in the Garden of Eden mentally debating between being called to seminary them missions or just being a plain old uncalled farmer/gardner. There was no seminary in Eden- just ground to cultivate! It was clear to Adam that God called him to his glorious work. We should approach all of our jobs as “callings.” This is not word games. God really does call everyone to their work (see 1 Corinthians 7:17).

(Lie #3) Work is optional. People really believe this- or act like it anyway. We should see how God works in Genesis 1 and is still at work, God put Adam to work in the Garden (Gen. 2:15), Jesus was a carpenter, and Paul said not providing for your family and laziness are serious sin issues (1 Tim. 5:8, 2 Thess. 3:10).  This definitely does not mean we all have to be in the 9-5 grind (i.e. there are hard working home-makers, stay-at-home moms, and musicians, etc.). We all (particularly men) should be working. I know the economy and unemployment are tough- but some of us might need to just get any job and stop holding out for that ideal job.

(Lie #4) Work is unspiritual. Sitting behind this computer is so unspiritual, but going out and sharing my faith- now that is spiritual. I know. I know. There is some truth to this. But “some” truth is the problem with it. Is this a reality or an allusion? There was no secular and Christian (aka spiritual) music in the Garden of Eden- everything was soli deo gloria (glory to God alone). Adam digging with his shovel was just as spiritual and worshipful as reading your Bible or singing Amazing Grace. Paul encourages us, “whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Conclusion
We’ve got to get free from the discouraging lies that bring so much unclarity to vocation and calling in the body of Christ. This will help us all so much. View your job as the calling that it is and ask God to help you make your work worshipful.