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).
Have You Recognized the Value of Your Work? Appreciating God's Design #workethic, #ChristianLiving Share on X“Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!” (Proverbs 14:23 NLT).
Blessings,
Originally published in 2012, this post has been updated in 2025 to refresh the content.
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Great post! Yes, being productive is built into us by our Creator! Laziness is most definitely a thief – I agree. I believe when people set themselves to work at something, they are happier – that may be part of the reason so many people are depressed and on mood altering drugs. I realize many people are struggling to find work and want to – but there are too many who are looking for someone to “fix” them or their lives instead of actually putting forth the effort required.
Ann, feeling productive makes me happy too!
This is wonderful, Debbie! thanks so much for your writing!
Thank you, April!
Thank you for this reminder. Sometimes we rely on external validation, but doing a good job as unto the Lord is reward in itself.
Well said, Ann. Knowing we’ve honored God in our work is satisfying, even when others don’t recognize our labor.
Love this post, Debbie. Your line resonated with me, “Beyond providing income and serving the community, meaningful work satisfies the worker and shapes character.”
God created us to do good works! I sure don’t want to be like the one who wasted my talents.
Me either, Jerralea!
Thank you, Debbie for these great reminders. How much joy is in our labor done for the Lord as we eagerly await His return!
Yes! Looking forward to His return.
You write, “God has equipped you and me with the personalities and talents we need for the work He created us to do (Ephesians 2:10).” I love that He created us to do a work – and that when we join with Him in that work – He gives us a work that is fulfilling and impactful in ways we never imagined. It’s not always easy. Sometimes it feels like swimming upstream – but we don’t give up, do we! He sustains us if we just hold on to him.
You’re right. Good work in this world faces opposition. But we must not give up. He is with us.