We were created for work. God intended our blessing to come through obedience to His command to fill and exercise dominion over the earth. Instead, we must now learn our lessons from the earth, from the smallest of creeping things: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,” (Prov 6:6). We work now, knowing that one day we will rest in Jesus.

Reflection
Why do we see baptism as a spiritual concern but work ethic and provision as a secular one? The ground curse of Genesis 3 means that work and provision are now difficult. How do some people respond to this difficulty? How have you responded to it? When you think of laziness, what typically comes to mind? Why do we often procrastinate with deadlines? How can we fight against procrastination? What are some things that Jesus worked to finish? If present work is training for kingdom work, what are some tasks around the house or the church that you can do now to help you train to work well in the kingdom in the future?