This, too, is part of God's plan for what our work should be about, and what it would still be about if we had not experienced the fall, which marred everything including our labor.
This quote illuminates a profound truth about the nature of work and its divine purpose. Timothy Keller suggests that our labor is inherently part of God's overarching plan, regardless of the imperfections introduced by the Fall. From a biblical perspective, work is not merely a means to an end but a participating act in God's creative and redemptive purposes. Even after the fall, which introduced disorder, toil, and frustration into human labor, the intrinsic value and purpose of work remain intact in God's eyes. It invites believers to view their daily tasks, whether mundane or monumental, as opportunities to serve, create, and collaborate within God's divine design. Recognizing that God's plan encompasses all aspects of life, including work, encourages a mindset of purpose beyond personal gain or societal recognition. Instead, it fosters an understanding that our work can reflect God's goodness and contribute to the renewal of creation. Furthermore, it reassures us that the struggles and setbacks experienced in labor are not deviations from God's plan but part of a larger, redemptive process that will ultimately fulfill His purposes. This perspective can profoundly influence how we approach our careers, emphasizing meaning, integrity, and perseverance amid challenges, knowing that our efforts are intertwined with God's greater plan for creation and salvation.
