Fallen and Redeemed Work

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:17-19, Ecclesiastes 2:18-26, Romans 8:19-23, Ecclesiastes 9:9-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 2:12-16

I spent the entire day scrubbing, wiping, sweeping, and organizing. For the first time in months, our house was spotless, and I couldn’t wait for my family to notice.

Instead, they came home, dropped their bags and shoes on the floor, and plopped onto the couch. No one mentioned the sparkling floors, the glistening toilets, or the streak-free mirrors. No one noticed—and I was angry. I had sacrificed my whole day so they could live in a clean, comfortable home. Why didn’t anyone see it? I wanted recognition, and it didn’t seem to be coming. Was all that work in vain? 

Finally, I blurted out, “Don’t you realize how clean the house is?”

My husband replied, “Oh, did you clean? It looks good.”

In retrospect, this moment definitely wasn’t as big a deal as I made it. But I wanted to know there was  purpose in all of my effort.

Have you ever been there? Have you poured yourself into something, only to feel unseen? Maybe you trained, prepared, or worked tirelessly to bring something to life, only for the results to fall short of what you hoped. Maybe you did an excellent job on an important task, and no one seemed to notice. 

Scripture reminds us that because of sin and the brokenness of this world, our work will be accompanied by pain and labor. Even King Solomon, who was full of wisdom and wealth, recognized that all he built would ultimately fade away (Ecclesiastes 2:22).

In this temporary life, we will feel frustration in our work. But we are also promised there is One who will redeem it.

Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.
—Colossians 3:23

All of our creating, leading, studying, and serving is worth it when it is done for God. Yes, we’ll experience painful situations. We’ll wish for different outcomes. These struggles are part of living in a fallen world (Romans 8:22). But this fallen world is not the end of our story. We will face frustration and fatigue, but God is present with us in it. Whatever the Lord places in front of us today—caring for a sick relative, preparing for a tough meeting, studying for an exam, or tending to our ever-messy homes—we can do it wholeheartedly with His help (Ecclesiastes 9:10). 

If we choose to follow Jesus and live out our lives for Him, that means allowing Him to transform not just what we do with our lives but why and how we do it (Philippians 2:13). Not grumbling or complaining. Not with resentment or fear but as people set apart, shining His light in a dark world (vv.14–15).

I’m so grateful for today’s reading, especially on these days when I need a perspective shift. The purpose of our life, our work, and every unseen act of service is simple: Do it unto the Lord, even when no one notices or applauds. Our calling and our purpose are to glorify God.

Written by Abby Flynn