Have You Recognized the Value of Your Work? Appreciating God’s Design

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Have You Recognized the Value of Your Work? Appreciating God’s Design

Having recently celebrated Labor Day, let’s reflect on the value of work.

Contrary to what some believe, work is not a result of the curse. The curse added thorns and sweat to our labor, but work itself is good and satisfying. Don’t you love enjoying the fruit of your efforts? Even opening a freshly organized drawer brings pleasure—let alone savoring the reward of a bigger project.

Adam and Eve worked in the garden before the fall. Beyond providing income and serving the community, meaningful work satisfies the worker and shapes character.

Solomon wrote, “I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors” (Ecclesiastes 2:10, NLT).

Work Brings Joy and Growth

The happiest servants in the parable of the talents were the ones who worked diligently (Matthew 25:14–30). Their joy and skill multiplied as they invested the talents their master entrusted to them. God has equipped you and me with the personalities and talents we need for the work He created us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

In the movie Chariots of Fire, Olympian Eric Liddell said he felt God’s pleasure when he ran. We too can experience His pleasure when we use our gifts and talents. In fact, lack of joy in our work may indicate we’re in the wrong work—or we’re not recognizing the value of what we do.

The Misery of Wasted Talents

In contrast, burying our talents because of fear, laziness, or a sense of inadequacy leaves us empty and miserable. Wasted talent steals our joy, growth, and purpose. The servant who hid his talent did so out of fear rooted in a wrong view of his master. His negative attitude robbed not only himself but also his master.

I imagine you’ve seen or experienced the toll apathy takes. Have you ever served on a team where one member ignored their responsibilities? Their poor work ethic dragged everyone down. Or what about the spouse who refuses to invest in their marriage or parenting? The whole family suffers. Laziness weakens not only individuals but entire communities.

Paul took this issue seriously. He wrote, “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10, NLT). Laziness may reflect selfishness, entitlement, or fear—but it never reflects faith or love.

Work Shapes Both Skills and Character

Skills sharpen through practice, but more importantly, character blooms in the process. Joy doesn’t come from being the most talented but from engaging wholeheartedly in our labor. Some naturally gifted people rest on their abilities and never develop them, while others—with less obvious talent—persevere with diligence and accomplish much.

God gave each of us enough strengths to be successful in our callings and enough weaknesses to keep us humble and dependent on Him. Discovering your God-given personality, passions, and spiritual gifts provides valuable clues to your calling and your “sweet spot.”

A Word of Blessing

To all who work to make your families, communities, and nations better: I salute you. May you one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and enter the joy of your Master (Matthew 25:21).