Devotional: Good Work- Reflecting God
"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
—Genesis 1:26–27 (NIV)"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
—Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Most of us have felt the weight of work. Mondays come too quickly, weekends fly by, and the dream of retirement can sometimes feel like the only light at the end of the tunnel. We live in a culture that often sees work as a “necessary evil” — something we have to do in order to get to the things we really want to do. But when we open the Bible, we see something very different.
Work was never meant to be a curse. In fact, work shows up in the story of creation before sin ever entered the world. That means work is part of God’s original design. Genesis shows us that before Adam and Eve rebelled, God gave them meaningful work to do: to be fruitful, to subdue, to cultivate, and to steward what He had made. That’s important because it means work is not a punishment for sin—it’s part of what it means to live as people made in God’s image.
Think about that for a moment: you were created by a God who works. The very first pages of Scripture describe Him as forming, shaping, separating, filling, and creating. He is a God who brings order out of chaos and beauty out of the raw material of creation. And then, He stamped His image on you. That means your work—whatever it looks like—is not meaningless. It carries dignity because it reflects Him.
When you build, repair, write, teach, cook, care, lead, or serve, you are doing more than just “getting through the day.” You are unfolding creation. You are taking what God has made and helping it flourish, helping it become what it could be. That is holy work. And it means that your labor is not only useful but also worshipful.
Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23 that whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart, as working for the Lord. That means the office desk, the classroom, the kitchen counter, the field, and the workshop can all become places of worship. When we dedicate our work to Him—when we show up with integrity, creativity, and effort—we are offering it as an act of worship.
So the next time you’re tempted to see your job as just drudgery or a burden, remember: you are reflecting the image of a working God. You’re not simply earning a paycheck—you’re participating in His ongoing work of creation. You’re bringing dignity, purpose, and worship into your everyday labor.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for designing us in Your image as workers, creators, and stewards. Help me to see my work as more than a task list or a paycheck. Remind me each day that I reflect You when I labor with integrity, creativity, and love. May my work honor You, bless others, and unfold the potential You have placed in creation. Amen.
Discussion Questions
How do you usually view your work — as a burden, a gift, or something else?
What is one way you can begin to see your daily work as worship this week?
Who are the people connected to your work, and how can you treat them with the dignity of being made in God’s image?
Practical Application
Begin with prayer. Start your day by saying, “God, I want to work today for You.” It shifts your focus from tasks to worship.
See people as part of your work. Work isn’t just about tasks; it’s about relationships. Treat coworkers, classmates, customers, or family with the dignity that comes from being made in God’s image.
Work with excellence. Whatever you do, give your best effort as if serving the Lord, not just people (Colossians 3:23).
Book: Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Tim Keller
Teaching: A Story About Work [Labor of Love] by Tim Mackie
Your work, no matter how big or small it feels, has dignity and purpose. When you offer it to God, you’re not just doing a job—you’re reflecting His image and joining Him in His ongoing work in the world.
