The Immigrant’s Guide

The God of Work

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.—Genesis 2:2-3, NLT

Immigrants are known in our country to be people who want to work.  Where the work is hardest, longest, and most dangerous, we always find immigrants.  

As the first worker mentioned in the Bible, God dignifies all workers.  God understands the satisfaction that comes from seeing the fruit of one’s labor and feels the pleasure of well-earned rest.  When God sees those created in the divine image and likeness, resting after the fulfillment of their responsibilities to their families and neighbors, the eyes of God shine with pride. Workers always have a place in God’s heart.  But imagine the disappointment God feels for those who work evil.

Sometimes the pleasure of work can be diminished by the experience of having a bad boss.  But Genesis 2:15  has something to say about that: “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.”  God’s position as the first one to give work to someone else reveals God to be the first employer, dignifying the status of every employer and signifying that the whole process of work can be holy.

Whether we have good or bad bosses on Earth, God ultimately stands as our employer.  Working with the desire to please God guarantees the dignity of our work.