I just wanna bang on the drum all day (Genesis 3:19)

SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION
The "Fall of Man" can be such an abstract concept to us. We've never known life that didn't contain struggle, pain, and death so it's easy to overlook that these things are the punishment of the very first sinful act. The one curse most Bible enthusiasts remember is painful child birth, but the primary curse for women appears to be in the end of verse 16. Perhaps because she wanted the knowledge for power, her punishment was that she shall always desire for her husband to rule over her. It seems Adam just went with the flow when he took the fruit from Eve so as his punishment he now has to struggle for every little scrap of food.

Before now I hadn't really considered that my punishment inherited from Adam is the curse of struggle in work. You might be thinking about people stuck in a job they hate, but even in a dream job many tasks are undesirable job requirements. It's important to note that according to Genesis 2:15 man was designed to work the garden. I believe this is why we often find joy in work. Our curse is not the work, but that the work would be a struggle.

These punishments are far surpassed by the more abstract concept of sin. The true curse in the "Fall of Man" is our separation from God. These struggles that we experience now are a minor reflection of consequences of choosing a life without God. Everyone will struggle in this life, but those that choose not to follow God will struggle far worse after death.

APPLICATION
If you are beaten down by your responsibilities at work, remember that it is your curse inherited from the original sin, BUT do not let it overwhelm you. Ephesians 2:8-9 shows that it's not your works that will save you but by the grace of God. Remember that God is in control and your struggles are only temporary. Persevere through your struggles but do not dwell on them any more than is absolutely necessary.

PRAYER
God,
Thank you for your saving grace.
Help me to focus on You rather than the sins of this world.
Amen.

For all those in the cleaning industry with a daily perspective of "To dust you shall return":