Genesis 2:15-17

God Creates Earth And Heaven

Did you notice why the man was put in the garden? Work is not a result of sin; work is part of God’s original plan. I want this to be part of your mindset as you go about your work today. Whether it is paid or volunteer, in an office or the field, whether you have a boss or you work for yourself, working is part of God’s plan. Work being difficult and the ground being tough was because of sin, but man’s role in the garden was to work and care for it. Work is God’s design.

Not only do these verses sanctify work as God-given, but they also remind us all that the first job of man was to care for the earth. The first responsibility that God gave humanity was to take care of the earth. Not just rule over the earth like Genesis 1:28 says, but to care for creation. This mandate means that we should take care of the earth now. We pick up litter and do not pollute rivers and the air. We recycle when possible and reduce waste. God’s first job for man was to work the ground and take care of it. How does that change how you think about your responsibility to the earth?