How to avoid the modern version of work as toil.
Work has been part of God’s design since the beginning. In creation, God formed man and immediately gave him a purpose: to steward and care for the earth. “It’s time to get to work,” God said in essence. Work was never meant to be exhausting or meaningless—it was intended to bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of partnership with our Creator.
But then sin entered the world, distorting the original purpose of work. No longer was it a fulfilling task; instead, it became toil—frustrating, exhausting, and often disconnected from joy. Even though many modern jobs require less physical labor than in the past, the burden remains. Today, toil looks like stress, dissatisfaction, or an unhealthy relationship with work. For many, work is either an idol or an enemy.
Work as an Idol or an Enemy
Work as an Idol – Some treat work as the most important thing in life, sacrificing family, rest, and faith in the pursuit of status, wealth, or security. Success is worshiped, while relationships and well-being are neglected.
Work as an Enemy – Others see work as something to endure rather than enjoy. They do the bare minimum, counting the hours until the weekend, finding little purpose in their labor.
God’s Design for Work
Work was never meant to rule over us, nor was it meant to be a burden we resent. Work, when done rightly, honors God, provides for our needs, and contributes to the good of others. If you’re struggling with work, it may be because something is out of balance:
You lack joy or fulfillment – Work doesn’t allow you to use your gifts.
You struggle to meet your needs – Either your pay is insufficient, or your definition of “needs” is misaligned.
You don’t see the purpose – Your work feels disconnected from making a meaningful impact or make an impact on things misaligned to your goals.
When these areas are misaligned, the results can be damaging:
You feel drained, constantly needing to distract or numb yourself to escape the toil of the work ahead.
No amount of achievement feels like enough.
Important relationships and your personal health suffers.
Life feels dissatisfying, even when outward success is present.
Biblical Truths About Work
The Bible offers clear wisdom about work:
Work is part of God’s design – “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 is hard as a consequence of sin, not because God doesn’t love you - "To Adam he said, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, "You must not eat from it," cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life… By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground (Genesis 3:17-19)
Work is meant to glorify God – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23, NIV)
Rest is essential – “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work.” (Exodus 20:9-10, NIV)
Work (and treasure) is temporary – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20, NIV)
Work should serve others – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)
Why a Healthy Relationship with Work Matters
Your relationship with work doesn’t just affect you—it shapes future generations. Your children are watching and learning from how you approach work. They will carry those lessons into their own lives. If you model work as an idol, they may chase achievement at all costs. If you model work as an enemy, they may avoid responsibility or exceptional effort. But if you model a biblical approach—seeing work as valuable but not ultimate—you set them up for a healthier, more balanced future.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)
7 Practical Steps to Improve Your Relationship with Work
Clarify Your Purpose – Align your work with your values and gifts. Ask: What truly matters to me? How can I contribute meaningfully?
Set Boundaries – Define work hours and protect time for family, rest, and personal growth. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)
Cultivate Gratitude – Find and acknowledge the good in your work, even in difficult seasons. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)
Prioritize Rest – Make rest a non-negotiable part of your routine. Trust that God provides. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)
Invest in Relationships – Build meaningful connections with colleagues, family, and friends for restoration and growth. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV)
Seek Balance, Not Perfection – Let go of the need to do everything flawlessly. Focus on what truly matters. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
Look for Ways to Serve – Use your work as a means to bless others, whether through excellent service, kindness, or generosity. “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16, NIV)
Reclaim the Joy of Work
Work is a significant part of life, but it should neither control you nor sufficate other parts of your life. By understanding its original purpose, challenging unhealthy patterns, and embracing biblical truths, you can develop a balanced and fulfilling relationship with work.
Ultimately, work is a gift from God—meant to glorify Him, serve others, and bring joy and purpose to your life. Future generations will learn from your example. Set them up for success by modeling a biblical perspective on work.
7 ACtions to take right now
Reflect on whether work is an idol or an enemy in your life.
Align your career with your core values and purpose.
Set boundaries to protect personal time and relationships.
Practice gratitude in your current role, even in difficult seasons.
Pursue hobbies and relationships that bring balance into your life.
Regularly practice rest and restoration (reenergize) as an act of trust in God’s provision.
Use your work to serve and bless others.