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The Value of Work

I just wrapped up a really difficult week at work. This was a "cross" week without a doubt. But as I sit here reflecting over the past week I am reminder of the things I should be thankful for, namely, the fact that I have a wife and a home and work for my hands. There are so many in the world who want to work and are not given the opportunity to earn a fair wage.
Yet there is a mystery to this thing we call "work." Why must we work? Why must it be difficult at times? Shouldn't I be able to find a job I can enjoy all the time?

We find the answer in the book of Genesis, when the Lord says to Adam:

...in toil you shall eat of it (the ground) all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth to you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Gen 3:17-18)

Yet St. Paul wrote to Timothy:

..."The laborer deserves his wages." (1 Timothy 5:18)

So we find three fundamental principles here regarding work. One, work is ordered by God. Two, work will be difficult at times. And finally...thanks be to God, we deserve to be paid for it. Ironic isn't it? First, work appears to be a sort of punishment, but He decides to pay us for it! Seriously though, God has,in His mercy, revealed to us His true purpose in making humanity work...

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:8-30).

Here we find the spiritual and ultimate significance of work. It shows us our need for God. We must turn from our labor to God for true "rest." Humanity has sought this "rest" in vacations, social activities, and material things, yet humanity is never satisfied by these things alone. We need God. He teaches us the value of work when we turn to Him for "rest". For He is "gentle and lowly in heart" and loves us. He knows our needs and our wants. It is only in turning to Jesus when we are weary from our labor that we begin to understand our need for His grace and love.

It is now the weekend, God-willing it is a time of rest for most of us. Let us make it a time of rest, that perfect rest that we can only find in Christ. Lord, forgive me for my grumbling and complaining about my work. Teach me the meaning of work that I might use it to glorify you. Amen.

May God bless and keep all of you.