“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”- Genesis 2:15
“Soul satisfaction is tied more to responsibility itself than a particular role or dream job.”- Judah Smith
Today Pastor Judah Smith presents the second element of a healthy soul environment (Chapter 2, How’s Your Soul?).
2. Work it. When the LORD God put Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it, He gave the human soul responsibility. In other words, God created us to bear responsibility.
In addition, Pastor Smith notes, the Hebrew word translated work also may be rendered serve. Although serving involves sacrifice, serving actually benefits the server the most. As a result, when you live beyond yourself, your soul finds fulfillment, health, and life.
Therefore, equating a lack of responsibility with living free is a deception. That’s not freedom. Because a responsibility-free environment won’t make you happier. Rather, responsibility = a key to fulfillment and joy on the inside. Furthermore, responsibility- not your role- creates joy.
Most noteworthy, Pastor Smith relates the story that he started at City Church in Seattle as a custodian. He wanted to work there and the custodian job was open. Judah found great fulfillment in that job. Yet, the progression to head pastor produced no added happiness. Whether custodian or head pastor, Judah performed each job with a joyful heart.
In conclusion, Judah advises you not to wait for a desired role to come along. He explains:
“Your soul’s happiness and health are not dependent upon a role. Your soul was designed to do whatever you do with everything within you. It needs responsibility to be healthy and there is a good chance that responsibility is right in front of you.”
Today’s question: Currently, where has God placed you to “work it and keep it”? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A necessary no- restriction and restraint”
