Day 25:  About Work
by Fran Caffey Sandin

“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).

Thomas Edison, probably the greatest inventor in history, once said, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.”

He changed the lives of millions with his inventions of the electric light and the phonograph. He also helped perfect the motion picture, the telephone, and the electric generator. Edison patented more than 1100 inventions in 60 years.

What was the secret of his success? He defined it himself as “1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” Perhaps Edison’s greatest contribution to modern society was his attitude toward work.

Have you ever thought about the fact that God worked? After he had completed His Creation in six days, He rested on the seventh. Some people think work was a condemnation upon man after Adam’s sin. But work was part of Adam’s life from the very beginning. God created Adam in His image and He placed man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate His creation.

Work has its rewards and laziness its consequences. The ant is a good worker. It busily gathers food for the winder without anyone giving a command. In like manner we are to initiate work ourselves and do our best. Paul reminds us not to grow weary of doing good. Work may not always be “fun,” but it is essential and gives us a sense of accomplishment that nothing else can bring.

Now I wake me up to work,
I pray thee, Lord, I will not shirk,
And if You should come tonight,
I pray you’ll find my work’s all right.

(Copyright 2000 Cook Communications Ministries. In the Garden With Godby Honor Books. Used with permission. May not be further reproduced. All rights reserved)