“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it’” (Gen. 1:28)

In a brief conversation with one of my teammates, I was reminded about something I had not thought about much. It was related to my observation that his side gig had not only helped him financially, but did much to lift his spirits. He said something like, “God made us builders.”

A spark lit up in my head when I heard that. What was behind his comment was the notion that God created us in His image. God put in Adam a measure of His creativity, energy, and drive to participate in His creation project as His coworkers. It is in our DNA. We were made to build, whether it be families, products, houses, cities, governments, or churches. (See Gen. 1:26-28.)

I invite you to explore this topic with me as I briefly discuss God as a builder, highlight a biblical example of one who built things for God’s glory, contrast it with those who built with the wrong motives, and then provide some encouraging words for those in the midst of building projects now. I want to leave you with a vision of how to work in God’s presence as His co-builder.

God is a builder

Let’s begin with Gen. 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

It’s fairly obvious that the creator of the universe is a builder. However, what sets God apart from human builders is that the Triune God created something out of nothing (ex nihilo), while we cannot. We can only create something out of something else that has already been created.

It is clear to me that there is more to creating than speaking the word and stuff coming into existence. The all-knowing and eternally wise God meticulously designed His creation, knowing what things, both living and non-living, needed to be made so that His greatest creation could survive, thrive, and glorify Him on the earth. He brought order out of chaos. In addition, all things were created by Jesus and for Jesus, and in Him all things hold together (Col. 1:16-17).

Moreover, God also continues to sustain His creation. In Acts 14:16-17, Paul preached, “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Psalm 104:10-31 confirms God’s care for us.

Building for God’s glory

In what is called the creation (or cultural) mandate (Gen. 1:26-28), Yahweh graciously granted the first humans the privilege of being His coworkers to continue the creation project. Families needed to be formed. Animals needed to be raised. Homes and cities needed to be built. Later, men and women would develop science and technology. I will briefly mention its value below.

Moreover, God’s original intent was to expand His kingdom through Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden through Abraham and the nation of Israel to extend to the uttermost parts of the earth. In his book Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer summarizes God’s creative intention: “God created Adam and Eve in his image, empowering them to expand the boundary of Eden until the entire world flourished under their loving care.” What a high calling we have!

A great example of one who built for God’s glory is Nehemiah. He took charge of repairing the walls around Jerusalem after the captives returned. Read the book and take special notice of how he worked in God’s presence to accomplish this great task while overcoming great opposition

Building with the wrong motives

In contrast to Nehemiah’s work, let me unpack what building with the wrong motives looks like.

We read about the first human building project in the first chapters of Genesis in the Tower of Babel. However, what we see is human beings rebelliously deciding to do the opposite of God’s intent. They were unwilling to “be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” (Gen. 11:4).

This poorly envisioned construction project that was rooted in sinful pride confirms this biblical principle: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1). If what we do contradicts the directives already laid out in Scripture and is counter to God’s revealed will, whatever we build will not stand for very long. It will not succeed if it does not bring Him glory.

For those who are building now

So, what are you building?

By the grace of God, the vast majority of men and women build families. In the jobs we hold we build skyscrapers, marketing strategies, teach children, and share the gospel around the world. Some jobs seem to be more important than others, but I am here to tell you that is not the case.

I want my brothers and sisters in Christ who have spent their careers building ordinary things in this world to fully appreciate their value. If the things you have designed, built, marketed, or sold have met the wide spectrum of human needs in any way, then your work truly matters to God.

For example, those who build airplanes enable grandparents to see their grandchildren across the country. Those who design and construct affordable housing provide homes for young families where they can be safe, warm, clean, well-fed, grow, and make memories together. Those who build computers have enabled me to encourage Christians around the world with God’s truth.

Closing thoughts

When we as children of God, do God’s work for His glory, through the redeeming work of Jesus and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, we are doing the same kind of holy work that Nehemiah did. We are expanding the reign of the King of Kings who owns it all anyway.

John Beckett in his book, Mastering Monday echoes this truth. “If what you and I are doing is God’s will, it qualifies as a ‘great work,’ whether it is cooking dinner for the kids or designing a bridge to span the Amazon River.” Keep on building what God has called and enabled you to do.

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband, grandfather, blogger, and author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession. With degrees in mathematics and biblical studies, his career spans teaching, youth ministry, military service, and civilian work at Fort Leonard Wood. He writes to help others experience God’s presence and integrate faith at work. His articles appear in military journals and faith-based platforms including The Gospel Coalition, Made to Flourish, and the Center for Faith & Work.

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Books by Russell Gehrlein

Here is a clear, biblical introduction to the Christian view of work. It is designed to help believers seek God’s guidance in choosing a vocation and integrating their faith with everyday jobs. Rooted in Scripture, it combines practical wisdom, personal illustrations, and insights from Christian leaders. Topics include the value of ordinary work, the effects of the Fall, the eternal significance of labor, finding a good fit, how Christians should work, and implications for ministry. With extensive Scripture references and discussion questions, this book broadens your understanding of how God uses your gifts at work and how His presence transforms it.