The purpose and power of work

What the Bible teaches us about work

Wherever you work, whether in the trades, in an office, or run your own business, you know that work can be a grind. Whether it’s writing code, building houses, educating your kids, or brewing coffee, we’ve all had days when the to-do list is never-ending, and the rewards can feel like they are few and far between.

However, what if we understood work the way God intended? Maybe even our daily duties at work, at home, and in our studies can be deeply spiritual.

This post will explore work through Scripture, its implications for mental health, and provide a little historical context.

Let’s jump in.

Before Sin Entered the World, God Assigned Humanity Work as a Task

Before the first sin entered the world, God placed Adam in the garden to work it and care for it. God assigned work as an essential part of His design. From the beginning,

God intended for humanity to steward and nurture creation through cultivating and tending to resources.

Work is an essential aspect of God's purpose for us rather than a curse or something to tolerate.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”— Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

Work Reflected God’s Character

God created humans to reflect His image (Genesis 1:27). What did God do in the opening passages of the Bible? He’s working.

And in Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV), we are reminded:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Work reflects the creative nature of God. Every time you code, build, teach, or pour a cup of coffee, you embody a part of the Creator’s heart.

Through Our Work, We Have the Opportunity to Serve Others and Do Good

Scripture teaches that our work isn’t just for us. In Ephesians 4:28 (NIV), Paul writes:

“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”

Through work, we serve others—supporting families, creating jobs, and extending generosity. When we work, we live out God's purpose of love and provision.

Work is a Means of Provision

That practical lesson comes alive in real life. Proverbs 12:11 (NIV) puts it simply:

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

Work is one of God’s primary ways of providing for our needs and those we care for.

Work is Stewardship

God has given you every talent, every resource, and every opportunity you’ve had.

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) says:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Whether you’re an office worker, tradie, or barista, you’re managing God’s creation.

Work is Worship and Witness

As we apply hard work, integrity, and perseverance, we go beyond simply getting the job done—our work becomes worship.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 (NIV):

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Your everyday diligence reflects God's light into the world. Your job is a witness.

The Psychological Benefits of Work

Work isn’t just spiritual—it also supports mental health and emotional well-being.

Here’s how:

• Meaning & Purpose: Work provides a daily sense of calling and fulfilment.

• Routine: A steady rhythm brings consistency and focus.

• Community: Working with others builds connection and belonging.

• Achievement: Completing tasks builds confidence.

• Resilience: Meeting challenges develops toughness.. Now, I want to be clear, without understanding the purpose and position of work before God, work itself can become more like a curse than a blessing. However, when you understand that it is not work itself that is supposed to provide affirmation of identity, then work becomes a tool, a platform from which to live in God's purposes. I have worked in many contexts, from hospitality in fast food and cafes, through to more prestigious positions of influence speaking from stages, business ownership to picking vegetables. I won't lie, I enjoy some of it more than other places but I find satisfaction in working for the Lord, not for man in whatever context. I find satisfaction in paying the rent for my family, putting food on the table, paying the electricity so I can sit on the couch and watch the football with my kids and read the word with them in a room with electricity. Maybe your work bores you, great, pay the bills, serve God with what that literally affords you.
  

Historical Lessons on Work

The value of work isn’t a modern idea. Many influential Christian thinkers have spoken on this:

• John Calvin: All work is a divine calling, whether in the church or marketplace.

• Martin Luther: Work is worship; every honest vocation is sacred.

• Biblical view: All honest work—manual or mental—is of equal value before God.

Explore how faith intersects with vocation at Divergent Church.

A Note to Men: Cultivating a Godly Work Ethic without idolising it.

Allow me to speak directly to young men in particular in this moment, although the lessons are relevant to anyone. As men, we often carry the weight of work defining our identity and worth. Alternatively, there has been an increase in younger and older men becoming increasingly lazy as women take up the slack and excel. Male identity has historically been deeply connected to work both positively and negatively. You SHOULD work and to be lazy is a sin. The Apostle Paul was clear when he said,

If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Tim 5:8

I do want you to hear the confrontational truths here if they apply to you. To not provide, when you have capacity to do so, is equated with a denial of faith, such a position makes one "worse than an unbeliever". Maybe you have not found a specific passion that can be your profession, arguably that is often bad advice any way. However, your primary satisfaction should not be found in the work itself all the time but in what it provides for your household in particular.

Scripture does however also offer a positive encouragement in this context.

“…you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”— 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 (NIV)

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”— Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”— Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)

A faithful work ethic isn’t about chasing wealth. It’s about showing up, doing your best, and letting God be glorified in it all. Don't worship work, worship God in and through your work.

Working with Purpose

God values all work—whether you’re a CEO, teacher, stay-at-home parent, or uni student, your work matters to Him.

Your effort reflects His image. Your faithfulness provides for others. Your diligence shines His light.

To make work meaningful, it must be done with purpose, passion, and integrity, as an act of worship for the Lord.

At Divergent Church, we believe faith transforms every part of life—including your work. Whether you're in Canberra, Port Macquarie, or Queanbeyan, we want to walk alongside you in discovering God’s purpose for your vocation.