God created man not to be idle, but to work for his glory. He views work as a way to serve him and spread his glory. God has much to say about work in his word. In the Bible, we see work as it was intended and work as corrupted by sin. We also see how work can be used for good in a fallen world and how it applies to the life of a Christian.  John Calvin once wrote that no sacrifice is more pleasing to God than when every person applies diligently to his or her own calling and endeavors to live in such a manner as to contribute to the general advantage.

In Genesis, the Bible describes how man was not created to be idle. We were made to reflect God’s character through our stewardship of his creation. Our ability to work reflects God’s ability to create. After the Fall, work, like all things, became tainted with sin. Although it could still be used as it was originally intended, we were now able to work for things outside of God. Once meaningful work has become toil (Genesis 3:17). People now seek work apart from God and define themselves by their earthly achievements. However, death renders the man’s earthly achievements futile (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Work apart from God is motivated by envy and greed. Work must be done in obedience to God's will. If it is not, it becomes quickly corrupted by selfishness, the desire for human recognition, and power. All work must be motivated by love for God and neighbor. Then our work will provide fulfillment and be free from anxiety, idolatry, and laziness.

Work is very important in the life of a Christian. We are called to love and serve our neighbors. One of the major ways we can respond to this call is through fulfilling the duties associated with our everyday work. Martin Luther once said that we can only truly serve God in the midst of everyday circumstances. This gives a new dignity and meaning to ordinary work. As Christians, we are also called to be salt in the world. The workplace becomes another place to introduce a Christian presence and influence and made a difference in our world.

All things in life, including daily work, can be understood as a calling from God. All work, if done for the glory of God, is equal in God’s sight. God has given everyone unique gifts and abilities that can be used to serve him. God can call someone to serve through any line of work, not just religious callings. Someone could work a simple job but praise God, serve others, and witness to their coworkers, while a preacher may be corrupt and hypocritical. Christians are to spread God’s word throughout all the world, including all fields of work. God created man in his image to work and care for creation (Gen 1:26). Our value as image-bearers is in Christ. As workers, we are to carry out God’s purpose for our lives.

The primary call for everyone’s life is to spread God’s word throughout the world and honor him in all that we do. We are called to submit to God’s will, whatever that may look like in our lives. We should model our plans around what God has called us to do. This call should manifest itself in our daily lives. When Jesus called his first disciples to follow him, their lives were changed forever (Matt 4:18-22). They left their old vocations behind to follow Jesus’ call to become “fishers of men.”

Following God’s view of work, that it is holy and done to serve him, will provide fulfillment and freedom from anxiety and laziness. Going into life viewing work as a good thing, rather than a necessary evil, will help you find purpose and meaning and lead to a healthier outlook on life. A key verse that exemplifies this is Colossians 3:23 (NIV): “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”