Working In A Difficult Environment

God...put him in the garden...to tend and keep it.
Genesis 2:15

Work well done is its own reward. It gives us a sense of value. Without purpose we tend to get depressed. Don't fall for the media hype that says successful people don't need to work. We were all created to fulfil a purpose regardless of how much money is in our bank account.

Perhaps you've heard it preached that work resulted from the fall. No! While it's true that work took on a different meaning, it's a mistake to believe that our first parents were without purpose prior to this. From the time Adam and Eve were created it's been clear that God intended usto be like our Creator - productive, fruitful and invested in tasks that contribute to His purposes. Adam and Eve were given reign over the garden and enjoyed a maximum level of fulfilment in their jobs before their selfish decision to disobey. Listen: "God took the man and put him in the Garden... to tend and keep it ... Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name" (Ge 2:15 & 19 ).

The first job description included naming and overseeing - the ultimate manager's position!

Similarly, Eve was created to share in these endeavours as Adam's helper. A man who isn't busy doesn't need a helper! So you need to look no further than your Bible to realise that productive work is God's plan for your life.