God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28).
God gave Adam and Eve an important job to do: fill the earth and subdue it. From this we learn that God wants people to contribute to society through work and family. Raising children, building roads, creating art, and anything else that contributes to the good of society is actually serving God. This idea was reinforced by the Apostle Paul who wrote, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. . . . It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).
Some people think the only way to serve God is through church, or some other religious means. It is true that every child of God has an essential role to play in the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). But the work we do for God in the world is also important. For example, Adam served God by gardening. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15), wrote Moses. Gardening was Adam’s service to God.
The work we do for the glory of God, and for the good of others, is not merely a way to earn money, or raise a family. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. This gives our work meaning and significance, and should make it an act of worship.