November 04, 2024
"Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”"
- Genesis 1:28 (NKJV)
Alongside being a manifestation of our inner spirit and an essential part of life, work is also a calling we are meant to pursue. Within the dominion mandate given to man by God (through the blessing in Genesis 1:28) are elements that require work for their manifestation. To be fruitful requires work. To multiply requires work. To fill the earth requires work. To subdue the earth requires work. To have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth requires work.
Work reflects glory. The quality of the work we do describes the person we are. The timeliness, consistency and excellence of our work are reflected in the work we do. The Bible speaks of God’s work in Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”. The universe, the galaxies, the stars, the skies and all of creation in their splendour testify about the quality of God’s work.
Work also brings recognition. When King Saul asked Abner, whose son was going to fight Goliath the Philistine, he replied in 1 Samuel 17:55, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know”. After David had killed the Philistine, the same Abner brought him before King Saul who then asked David for himself in 1 Samuel 17: 58, “Whose son are you, young man?”.
Such was the recognition of David’s work that his name had become known all over and the women sang and danced in 1 Samuel 18:7 singing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands”.
Work reflects glory.
Work grants access to the wealth and resources of the environment (of the work). Genesis 2:8-15 outlines the riches that were present in the Garden of Eden where the man worked. Man had access to these riches because he was put in charge by God in Genesis 2:15. Access to these resources is as important in fulfilling the dominion mandate.
Ultimately, the tasks a person undertakes should fulfill at least three essential needs. It must provide him accommodation (Genesis 2:8), food to eat (Genesis 2:16) and when the time is right, a spouse to marry (Genesis 2:22).
Are you engaged in the right kind of work?
Song of Worship
Work, for the night is coming:
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling:
Work mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter;
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done!
Hymn: Work for the night is coming
Prayer - Dear Lord, thank you for the concept of work. Help me embrace all aspects of work according to Your Word that I may increase and multiply in my life in Jesus name, Amen.