Work
Labor as calling, service to God, and care for others
Overview
Work is not a consequence of the fall but a pre-fall blessing. God placed Adam in Eden "to dress it and to keep it" (Genesis 2:15) before sin entered the world. The curse affected work—adding toil, sweat, and frustration—but did not create it. Work reflects the image of God, who Himself works in creating, sustaining, and redeeming. Therefore, human labor possesses inherent dignity and purpose.
Scripture transforms our understanding of work. Every legitimate occupation becomes a calling when pursued for God's glory. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). The carpenter, teacher, farmer, and administrator all serve God through their labors. This "Protestant work ethic" elevates ordinary work to sacred significance.
Christian workers should be marked by excellence ("whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord" - Colossians 3:23), integrity (honest dealings, keeping commitments), diligence ("not slothful in business" - Romans 12:11), and contentment (neither workaholism nor laziness). Work provides for family needs ("if any provide not for his own... he hath denied the faith" - 1 Timothy 5:8) and enables generosity to others.
Yet work is not ultimate. The Sabbath principle reminds us that we are more than our productivity. Rest acknowledges our dependence on God and anticipates the eternal rest to come. A balanced life integrates work, rest, worship, and relationships—all ordered under God's lordship.
Subtopics
Work as Worship
Laboring for God's glory
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Colossians 3:23-24
— Do it heartily, as to the Lord
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
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1 Corinthians 10:31
— Do all to the glory of God
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
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Ephesians 6:7
— With good will doing service
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
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Ecclesiastes 9:10
— Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Diligence
Working faithfully
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Proverbs 10:4
— Hand of the diligent maketh rich
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
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Proverbs 12:24
— Hand of the diligent shall bear rule
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
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2 Thessalonians 3:10
— If any would not work
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
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Proverbs 6:6-8
— Go to the ant, thou sluggard
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Rest
Sabbath and restoration
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Exodus 20:8-10
— Remember the sabbath day
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
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Mark 6:31
— Come apart and rest a while
And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
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Matthew 11:28
— I will give you rest
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
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Hebrews 4:9-10
— A rest to the people of God
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Study Guidance
Topical study benefits from reading verses in their broader context. Click any reference above to view the complete passage and surrounding verses. Consider comparing how different biblical authors address the same theme across various contexts and time periods.
Cross-reference study deepens understanding. Many verses listed here connect to other passages—use the cross-references provided on individual verse pages to trace theological themes throughout Scripture.