More Than Money: The Meaning of Work

1 November 2025

*This article is part of “Dialogues,” where real questions from people are answered by AI and then reviewed by theologians for clarity, accuracy, and faithfulness to Christian teaching.

Question

“What’s the point of work when it seems to bring only more earthly wealth?”

Answer

Scripture teaches that work is God’s gift and calling, not an end in itself. Work matters when it springs from God’s creational purpose, serves love of neighbor, and aims at treasure in heaven—not the hoarding of treasure on earth (Gen 2:15; Matt 6:19–21; Col 3:23–24). When reduced to mere earning and accumulating, work becomes vanity (Eccl 2:11; 5:10); when received as service to God and others, it bears lasting fruit (1 Cor 15:58).

Work in God’s Creational Order

From the beginning, God entrusted humanity to “work and keep” the garden (Gen 2:15) and to exercise responsible dominion over creation (Gen 1:28). Work is not a result of sin; it belongs to God’s good design. Sin, however, brought toil and thorns to our labor (Gen 3:17–19). Even after the fall, work remains a sphere to display faithfulness and wisdom (Prov 6:6–11; 14:23).

The Vanity of Work Aimed Only at Wealth

Ecclesiastes soberly observes that accumulating wealth cannot satisfy: “Whoever loves money never has enough.” (Eccl 5:10; cf. 2:11). Jesus warns against greed, and the parable of the rich fool shows that storing up for self while not being “rich toward God” ends in ruin (Luke 12:15–21). We cannot serve both God and Mammon (Matt 6:24).

Work as Service to God and Neighbor

Believers are to work “as for the Lord and not for men,” knowing the Lord Himself will reward them (Col 3:23–24). Work is not only about income; it is a gift of self. The one who used to steal must “labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Eph 4:28). Paul worked with his own hands to avoid burdening others and to give generously (Acts 18:3; 20:34–35; 1 Thess 4:11–12).

Scripture links work with grateful enjoyment rather than endless striving (Eccl 3:12–13; 5:18–20). True “profit” is godliness with contentment (1 Tim 6:6). The wealthy are commanded not to be haughty but to hope in God… to “be rich in good works, generous and ready to share,” thus laying up treasure for the future (1 Tim 6:17–19; cf. Matt 6:19–21).

The Rhythm of Work and Rest

God establishes a rhythm of labor and Sabbath rest (Exod 20:8–11). Rest reminds us that life and results do not flow from our strain but from God’s favor: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Ps 127:1–2).

Justice and Responsibility in the Workplace

The Bible demands just treatment of workers: wages must be fair and timely (Deut 24:14–15); the Lord hears “the cries of the harvesters” defrauded by the rich (Jas 5:4). Work that harms the vulnerable or twists truth contradicts God’s character (Prov 11:1; Mic 6:8).

To work also means to take responsibility for one’s family: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives… he has denied the faith.” (1 Tim 5:8). At the same time, we must refuse idleness, for “if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thess 3:10–12).

Seeking First the Kingdom

Jesus teaches us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” with the promise that necessary things will be added (Matt 6:33). This does not sanction passivity but reorders aims: work becomes a place of worship and witness, not an altar to Mammon (Rom 12:1–2; Col 4:5–6).

Nothing done “in the Lord” is in vain (1 Cor 15:58). God remembers “your labor of love” (Heb 6:10). We are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph 2:10). The enduring value of work is measured by obedience, love, and faithfulness—not by the size of the paycheck (Matt 25:21).

Summary: When Wealth Isn’t the Goal, Work Finds Its Meaning

Work without God leads to emptiness; work with God leads to service, justice, generosity, and joy. Scripture does not condemn wealth itself, but it warns against wealth ruling the heart (Prov 11:28; Matt 6:24). Work fulfills its purpose when it becomes worship to God, love for neighbor, and treasure laid up in heaven.

Conclusion

According to Scripture, work is good because it is God’s calling. When it becomes a tool for stockpiling wealth, it loses meaning and turns to vanity. When embraced as service to the Lord—a spring of generosity and a sphere for love—it gains eternal weight (Col 3:23–24; 1 Cor 15:58). “Seek first his kingdom,” and your everyday labor becomes an altar of worship and a place of God’s blessing (Matt 6:33).