The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (NIV)

Yes, God created a world which included work needing to be done! Work is a part of our purpose. That is exciting to me because when Jesus returns and the Earth is restored to its original sin-free environment, my heavenly dream work will be taking care of the new Garden of Eden! If you look at my phone camera roll, you will see thousands of photos of flowers, vegetables, and numerous other plants. God has given me a love of plants that bring me boundless joy. My son even gave me a T-shirt that says, “Easily Distracted by Plants.” This is a true statement, and I plan to get distracted and care for the absolutely stunning gardens in the new heaven on the new earth.

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Now maybe you think I am crazy because gardening is low on the list of the work you would enjoy. Maybe working in Heaven is a new concept to you. The Bible says that we will do work in Heaven and enjoy it! Isaiah 65:17-25 describes the new heavens and the new earth, while verses 21 and 22 suggest some work possibilities:      

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They will build houses and dwell in them;
   they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
No longer will they build houses and others live in them,
   or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree,
   so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy
   the work of their hands.

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Did you soak in that last part? We will enjoy the work of our hands in Heaven. When sin is out of the world, the line between work and play will become invisible. Work will be totally enjoyable!  

Not only will we work in Heaven, but Scripture also gives us commands, or work, while we are living on this Earth! In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as we do ourselves. God has given people many different gifts or talents to develop on earth that we can use to love others. Now, you know that one of my talents is gardening. When I garden in the Alaskan summers, these quiet times center me to love God with all my heart, soul, and strength. As I weed, prune, and enjoy all the shapes, textures, and colors of the many plants in my gardens, I am reminded of all the many different people in my life. So, I love on my “neighbors” when I pray and share my garden bounty.      

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We are also given another important command, or work, in Matthew 28:19 when Jesus instructs us to share His story of defeating sin through His death and resurrection and to go to the nations of this world to make more disciples. Sharing Jesus’ story of His sacrifice for the sins of all people is not as natural for me as gardening and praying. I like to plant seeds of curiosity and share how God has blessed me, but rarely ask, “Who is Jesus to you?” Since we just celebrated Easter, though, I am reminded of the importance of this work, and I want to be bolder and stronger in my work of sharing Jesus.

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We all have different talents that can be used to make a difference in this world and in Heaven. Maybe you enjoy cooking and so you take meals to those in need. How about removing downed trees or cleaning up blown trash from winter to help our community? Maybe you have repair or construction talents to help someone. I hope that you have signed up for Impact Alaska at ACF on May 18^th. I promise that you will be blessed when you make a difference by loving and caring for our community by joining in on work you love.

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Just like Adam was put in the Garden to work it and care for it, we are in this world to work and care for it, too. What unique talents have you developed that can be used to work and care for this world and the people in it? I invite you to make a difference and care for someone by sharing one of your talents with a friend, neighbor, or stranger this week. I hope you will join me as I commit to sharing Jesus more with others to make Heaven more crowded!

Abba, I praise You for all the beauty on this Earth that You created. Encourage and show me ways to care for this world. I thank You for the difference that I can make on this Earth and in Heaven by sharing my unique talents with my neighbor. May I become more aware of, and follow through with, ways to care for people while bringing joy and love to their lives. I boldly ask that You help me to share Jesus! I love You, Amen.