"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden toworkit and take care of it." Genesis 2:15

Right in the first few chapters of God's spoken word, God explains that as humans, we have been placed on this earth to work. Work brings such an accomplished and fulfilling feeling to us. Webster's dictionary describes work as this: the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood.

It is simple, we have been designed to do work and to enjoy it. It is what brings food from the field to the table. Work enables us to be able to buy things, go places, and see new sights. Due to the fact that work is an activity created by God, we should do it with a joyful heart and without complaining.

In this generation, hard work seems to be something that has been shied away from. Often times when I am talking to my peers, I notice that they have not had any experience in any sort of work environment, whether that be laborious or academic. As someone who was encouraged to work hard and to get a job at a young age, I can say to this generation that you all are seriously missing out. I have grown up in a family that has valued hard work for generations and I am so happy to be able to follow in those footsteps.

Working hard teaches us a lot of different qualities, like how to have a sense of healthy pride in ourselves, and how to feel accomplished about what we have done. Work helps to build self-esteem and helps to boost confidence. It is a key factor in helping young adults mature from being children to being productive men and women in society. Hard work also teaches independence.

Young millennials should be able to care and provide for themselves rather than depending on parents and other adults to help them out of rough situations. This is something that is not stressed enough to young people in today’s society. Too often we see 23-year-olds, identifying with groups of 17-year-olds and expecting to be treated as such. The truth is, by 23 we are adults and should be expected to work and provide for ourselves (even if it is not luxury grade items). Having a job and working hard also helps us to have proper management skills for our money, which is another thing God calls us to do in order to be good stewards.

The knowledge that is gained from hard work is something that can be applied throughout life in any situation. Perserverence, patience, and poise are all things that are learnt by digging in and getting a little "dirt under your nails," so to speak. I highly recommend trying to work hard toward a goal and getting hard things accomplished. The benefits will not only bring you happiness, but they will honor Christ as well.