Why Work Matters to God

Work is woven into the fabric of who we are. In Genesis 1, God is revealed as a Creator, a worker who shapes, orders, and breathes life into the world. Then, in Genesis 2, He creates humanity in His image and invites us into that work, calling Adam to cultivate and care for the garden. From the very beginning, work was never meant to be just something we do—it’s a reflection of who we are as image-bearers of a working God.

But while work is part of our identity, our worth is not tied to our performance. This is a critical distinction in a world that constantly measures us by our productivity. If we root our identity in what we achieve, we’ll always be chasing approval or fearing failure. Instead, our ultimate identity is found in Christ, who calls us His own. This frees us to work not for validation, but as an act of worship and reflection. We were made to work because we are made in the image of a working God. God’s creativity, order, and purpose are reflected in our labor, whether it’s designing software, fixing engines, or tending to little ones at home.

We were made to work because we are made in the image of a working God.

But what happens when work feels hard, mundane, or fruitless? Sin has undoubtedly distorted work. Thorns and thistles—frustrations and setbacks—are part of the curse (Genesis 3:17-19). Yet, even in the brokenness of this world, God has not abandoned work. Through Christ’s redemption, work is infused with new meaning.Your job, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary it seems, has eternal significance. Scripture says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). That means the plumber fixing a leaky pipe can do his work with as much purpose as the pastor preaching on Sunday. The barista who remembers a regular’s name and favorite drink reflects God’s care for the individual. The doctor in the operating room and the mom wiping sticky hands both mirror God’s sustaining power and nurturing love.

Work matters to God because people matter to God. When you show up to work, you’re not just completing tasks or earning a paycheck. You’re participating in God’s mission to bring order, beauty, and flourishing to the world. You’re serving others, meeting needs, and making life better in ways big and small. Every honest job—whether it’s scrubbing floors or leading a board meeting—is an opportunity to live out the second greatest commandment: to love your neighbor as yourself.

You’re participating in God’s mission to bring order, beauty, and flourishing to the world.

But here’s the key: your worth isn’t tied to your work. In a culture that prizes hustle and output, it’s easy to believe that our value depends on what we achieve. Yet the gospel reminds us that our ultimate identity isn’t in what we do, but in whose we are. So why does work matter to God? Because it’s part of His design, part of His mission, and part of His gift to humanity. It’s not just what we do—it’s a way we reflect Him. And whether you’re pushing paper, pulling weeds, or caring for souls, you’re part of something much bigger than you realize.

God sees your work. And He says it matters.