Made To Work
From the beginning of time, work has been a central part of what it means to be human. As God completed his creation on the sixth day, he looked upon everything he had made and declared it “very good.” Yet for many, modern work feels anything but good. In a world marked by disengagement, burnout, and quiet quitting, how can we rediscover the divine intention behind our jobs, careers, and callings?
Genesis 1–3 lays a foundational truth: God himself works. He speaks, creates, separates, blesses, and gives. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a record of God at work—for his people and for his creation. Psalm 19 tells us that “the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” while the New Testament reminds us that Christ’s death and resurrection was the ultimate “work” of redemption. Jesus even said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17).
Work, then, is not a post-fall punishment or a necessary evil. It is sacred. And because humanity is made in God’s image, we too are made to work. Whether it’s farming land, teaching children, leading teams, or serving patients, our labor reflects our Creator’s nature—and fulfills a divine calling.
Genesis 1–3 lays a foundational truth: God himself works. He speaks, creates, separates, blesses, and gives. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a record of God at work—for his people and for his creation. Psalm 19 tells us that “the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” while the New Testament reminds us that Christ’s death and resurrection was the ultimate “work” of redemption. Jesus even said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17).
Work, then, is not a post-fall punishment or a necessary evil. It is sacred. And because humanity is made in God’s image, we too are made to work. Whether it’s farming land, teaching children, leading teams, or serving patients, our labor reflects our Creator’s nature—and fulfills a divine calling.
Created to Co-Create
In Genesis 1:28, God blesses humanity and commands them to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and govern it.” This isn’t just about procreation—it’s about participation. Humans are co-creators with God, designed to build culture, systems, relationships, and innovation. Creating art, launching businesses, designing homes, writing curriculum—these are all ways to fulfill our design as image-bearers.
When people discover their creative bent—whether entrepreneurial, artistic, educational, or organizational—it’s a sign of their alignment with God’s original intent. This isn’t just about doing what we love. It’s about reflecting a God who creates out of love for the benefit of others.
When people discover their creative bent—whether entrepreneurial, artistic, educational, or organizational—it’s a sign of their alignment with God’s original intent. This isn’t just about doing what we love. It’s about reflecting a God who creates out of love for the benefit of others.
Called to Steward
God also tasks Adam with “tending and watching over” the garden (Genesis 2:15). The language of stewardship suggests responsibility over something that doesn’t belong to us. Our work, then, is not for exploitation or self-centered gain, but for the good of others and the flourishing of creation.
Whether managing a project, leading a team, running a household, or stewarding a budget—when done with intention and integrity—our work becomes an act of worship. We mirror the God who rules not with tyranny, but with care and purpose.
Whether managing a project, leading a team, running a household, or stewarding a budget—when done with intention and integrity—our work becomes an act of worship. We mirror the God who rules not with tyranny, but with care and purpose.
Designed to Protect
God’s charge to Adam wasn’t just to tend the garden, but also to guard it. The garden wasn’t entirely safe—there were dangerous trees and deceivers within. Likewise, many are called to be protectors: parents, public servants, nurses, IT professionals, attorneys, and educators. All play vital roles in maintaining safety, justice, and peace.
The call to protect may not always look grand, but it is deeply spiritual. It reflects the heart of a God who defends the vulnerable and shields the innocent. Those with a protective bent serve a sacred purpose in the unfolding story of redemption.
The call to protect may not always look grand, but it is deeply spiritual. It reflects the heart of a God who defends the vulnerable and shields the innocent. Those with a protective bent serve a sacred purpose in the unfolding story of redemption.
The Problem of Disengagement
Despite this high view of work, recent data reveals a crisis. Gallup’s 2024 survey found that only 31% of U.S. employees are engaged in their work. The rest are either not engaged or actively disengaged—some even admitting to “resentism,” staying in jobs they loathe simply because they can’t afford to leave.
Why the gap between God’s design and our reality?
In many cases, it comes down to a distortion of purpose. When work becomes solely about personal advancement—status, income, recognition—it loses its capacity to bring joy. Alternatively, when people work in areas misaligned with their God-given design, even noble work becomes a drain.
Why the gap between God’s design and our reality?
In many cases, it comes down to a distortion of purpose. When work becomes solely about personal advancement—status, income, recognition—it loses its capacity to bring joy. Alternatively, when people work in areas misaligned with their God-given design, even noble work becomes a drain.
Restoring Delight in Our Work
The key to rediscovering joy is aligning what we do with both how we are made and why we do it.
As theologian Frederick Buechner put it: “Vocation is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
- Work aligned with design: When someone is using their gifts—creating, organizing, protecting, teaching, building—they come alive. Work becomes more than a means to a paycheck; it becomes a channel for purpose.
- Work with a bigger purpose: When our labor contributes to the common good, the ripple effect multiplies. Joy is not just about passion, but about knowing that your contribution matters to someone else.
Everyday Callings Matter
Too often, calling is framed as something reserved for ministry professionals or those with a “holy” job. But Genesis gives every human a calling—to multiply goodness, to steward wisely, and to protect what God has made. This includes accountants, architects, stay-at-home parents, engineers, baristas, and beyond.
Your job may not feel spiritual. But if it serves others, contributes to human flourishing, and reflects God’s character in some way, it is sacred. It is your vocation.
And if you’re in a job that doesn’t yet feel like that sweet spot? Don’t despair. God is not finished. He is always working, and he can guide your next step.
Your job may not feel spiritual. But if it serves others, contributes to human flourishing, and reflects God’s character in some way, it is sacred. It is your vocation.
And if you’re in a job that doesn’t yet feel like that sweet spot? Don’t despair. God is not finished. He is always working, and he can guide your next step.
Questions to Reflect On:
- Where do you feel most alive in your work?
- Are you primarily working for personal gain—or for a purpose beyond yourself?
- Are you in the right kind of work for your God-given wiring?
Looking for Support?
Preston Trail offers groups to help you navigate your vocational calling:
Visit the resource hub at prestontrail.org/groups to get connected.
- Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs
- Women in the Workplace
- Job Seekers Group
- MomCo Career Track
Visit the resource hub at prestontrail.org/groups to get connected.