Can I make your mind busy for a moment?
Which do you think is correct among the 2 statement below that defines the reason why man was created?
Man is created to work in order to live, or
Man is created to live in order to work.
If you find yourself a little bit confused, never mind. Let's just move on. I don't want to consume much of your time discussing on issues which have been the source of controversy and debate since the inception of schools, universities, and learning institutions way back during the time of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
My only point here is to put an emphasis on two (2) points and areas of understanding.
One is - Why the Creator created man? And secondly... is for you to be given a glimpse of understanding, specifically about your reason for creation.
To move further, allow me to bring you in the first Book of 'Torah' where in Genesis it says, "And let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion... over all the earth..." - Gen. 1:26
Now, here we can see - without being argumentative - why God created man... to have "Dominion."
The word 'dominion' is the same as the word "radah," in Hebrew which means "Kingdom."
The word also is the same as the word "mamlakah" in Aramaic which is also translated as "Kingdom."
Likewise, dominion is also the same as the word "Basileia" in Greek which also means "Kingdom."
(I will discuss more of the "Kingdom" at a later date - forgive me)
Dominion also means, to govern, to have authority over, to rule, to control, to master, to manage, and to lead.
Having said all of these, how can we now correlate the word "Work" in relation to God's main reason for the creation of man - which is, to dominate? Okay, let's move further.
Remember that before the creation of man, God also work by creating the firmament, the whole universe, and finally, the earth and man itself. He went to work - and in fact, working until now - not merely to be delighted of His creation but to manifest His nature and expressed His glory.
And since God created man in His own image and likeness, He was also giving the first man, Adam, the 'opportunity' to express and manifest himself through work.
In the Book of Genesis 2:15, it says, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."
The word "work" from the above passage of scripture is derived from the the Greek word "ergon" which means - to become, to manifest yourself, to become yourself. It does not necessarily mean, to do something.
God did not put man in the Garden of Eden to simply make him busy and not get bored. He placed man in the Garden to exercise his mandated 'dominion,' and thereby, giving him the opportunity to express it through 'work.'
The only way for the man to exercise his assigned "dominion" is for God to bring him into a place of "work" - the Garden.
Am I making sense and clear here?
Now, here's my second question: Did you find your place of work - your domain - yet?
If not, it's time to ask the Manufacturer.
One of my mentor said (paraphrasing), "The only way to find the purpose of a product is to look upon it in the supplemental product manual. The warranty on the booklet/ manual describes everything about the operation and purpose of the product. You can also utilize the full potential of the product by reading the manual. Using the new product by simply guessing is detrimental to the product... The mind of the manufacturer concerning the product is completely and elaborately indicated in the product manual."
Did you ask the Manufacturer concerning your purpose and place of work, yet?
Glorify God, if you did.
Glorify God in your work by focusing on its completion. He will not be glorified exhausting your finite time performing other's work.
The greatest Jewish Rabbi who ever lived exhorts us on this when he uttered these words to His Father: "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do." - John 17:4
Do not spend your limited time on earth performing other's work. You will never be happy doing such scheme.
Yes, you can generously contribute, participate, and cooperate, but never incarcerate yourself.
I heard someone said, and it is wise to heed: "The greatest failure in life is being successful in the wrong assignment."
Don't be trapped into thinking that because you've lots of money, or because you're powerful and famous, you already are a candidate to be tapped as a real success. Featuring your name in any profit-generating articles and magazines can trick you and others into believing that you are, but realistically speaking, you are still poor and a failure if you are not clear on your "purpose" and real assignment.
"The poorest person on earth is not without money but without purpose. Without purpose, the only thing you can do is grow older," is one statement I heard from a mentor that bears a lot of truth.
And just because you are broke today doesn't necessarily mean you are poor, because your being broke is only temporary, but your being rich is permanent and eternal - and this especially true when you know your assignment and purpose.
If you are a person who is clear on your assignment, remember that you are impregnated with a Vision, as well. Hence, do not abort the baby... Let it be born.
Just make it sure - and this is very important - that the Vision emanates from the very heart of God, and not merely a product of your own volition.
Moreover, never put in vain the worth of your precious life by doing the seemingly important and good things. Put in mind that not all good things are right. Just because a thing is good does not necessarily mean that it is always right. Sometimes, the enemy tempts us not to do the bad things, but to do good things. This is especially so, in order to preoccupy our time and divert our attention from doing the right things. Don't be distracted by his subtle schemes.
It was Yeshua, Himself, who warned us when He said, "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him, is not fit for the Kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62, TLB
In addition, the Book of Acts is prudent in reminding us when Paul said, "My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus..." - Acts 20:24
This is how I clearly heard the voice of the Holy Spirit, the Governor, spoke to my heart one early morning: "Ed, work and take care of My business in Advancing the Kingdom, and I will take care of everything concerning you."
Let us pause for this simple prayer: "God of Heaven and earth, I acknowledge that You're our Father and Great Manufacturer. Reveal to me Your purpose for my life and place of work, in order for me to manifest myself and complete my assignment for the glory of Your Name. This I pray in the name of Yeshua, Our Mighty King... Amen."
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