In last week’s message, we looked at the meaning of work in the Creation account of Genesis.  We explored the meaning of the Sabbath; what work was like before the Fall; work after the Fall; and work under Christ’s Lordship.  Use this week’s Lift Action Points (LAP’s) to help you apply what we learned and discover the value of your work as your contribution toward caring for God’s Creation.

Monday: Genesis 2: 1-3. On the seventh day of Creation God finished his work of creating the universe; He rested on the seventh day; and He blessed the seventh day because on it He rested.  Build sabbath rest into your life.  Begin your week by planning for some time to reflect on your completed work while you prepare for the next weekly cycle of work.

Tuesday: Genesis 2:15-20. Humans were made in God’s image to take care of creation. Our work is the way we are meant to do that.  Reflect on ways you can take care of God’s creation this week.  Identify activities you are doing or can do this week to care for creation.

Wednesday: Genesis 3:23-24. God’s original design for the world was badly marred by the fall from grace.  Human relation with God was disrupted and we lost our understanding of how to use our gifts and abilities as God intended.  Reflect on how the fall changed the beauty of God’s plan and what would be different if the fall never happened.  But don’t let the painful reality of our fallen world keep you from the goodness of God’s plan today.

Thursday: Romans 8:18-25. All creation longs for the restoration that comes from Christ.  Where do you see the painful effects of the fall in your life?  What needs to be re-made with Christ’s presence?  What is God asking you to do in response?

Friday: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.  When Christ comes into your life, you become a new creation.  And you gain back your understanding of your purpose to take care of creation.  Your work is not just for a paycheck.  Reflect on how your work contributes to making things better in the world.  Identify the value of your work as your contribution to taking care of creation.