S) "15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it."
Genesis 2:15 (NASB)
O) Before sin entered the world, even before Eve was created, Adam was sent to work. Without sin, the world was pure, and not yet corrupted. Adam's motives and desires were still blameless. There was no shame or death. His obedience to God was from sincere love. The world was perfect, and Adam was called to work. Even in that utopian scene, however, God still saw Adam's need. Not only was there work, but there was more work to do, than Adam would be able to do alone. All of this, before sin entered the world. It was God's perfect will for Adam to work, and hard enough that he would need help.
A) This concept was hard for me to accept, at first. For a long time, my idea of a perfect world, meant that I didn't have to work, and I could play games all day. As I began to serve God - literally serving Him, in ministry to others - I began to understand the true joy of obedient hard work. The only thing I have discovered that is more joy, is working for God, with my wife. This verse serves as an eternal reminder that God's vision for perfection can be quite the opposite of my own. This is more evidence that I must seek His will, and conform mine to it. Even in a perfect world, I am supposed to do work.
P) Father, Your will is perfect and good. I am so thankful for those two truths working together. You have continually opened my eyes to see Your will more clearly, and understand Your nature (and mine) more and more. You have created in me, a new understanding of the purpose behind work. You have also given me a new work ethic, because of it. Please continue that work in me, as I strive to do Your will each day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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