Creation Quote by Glen Scrivener
““the beginning”. There was a time (a very long time!) when God was not Creator. Originally God was not in manufacturing. He entered that vocation in later life. In our case, we are driven to workaholism because we don’t know who we are apart from performing, producing and providing. But God has no such identity crisis. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit have known each other in love long before they knew each other in labours. So as we enter chapter 2 of Genesis, we’re again reminded that “Creator” is not the fundamental truth about God. Here is a God who rests from His work. And this is not an abdication, it’s a consummation. God’s activity reaches a goal. You see creation is not a wheel that must be kept turning. It is a work that comes to completion. The seventh day (the Hebrew word is Sabbath) shows that there’s an ‘end’ to creation. And by ‘end’ we mean, most basically, a goal. There is not endless work. There is not cosmic burnout. There is fulfilment. There is rest.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology of Work, Glen Scrivener, 2023
God’s identity is rooted in relational love, not perpetual activity; creation culminates in rest, showing purpose over endless toil.
In simple terms: God rests after work, showing purpose isn’t endless.
Seek purpose beyond productivity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Personal burnout
- Corporate culture
- Spiritual formation
- Life balance
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your work reflect identity versus performance?
- What does rest mean in your life?
Rest can be mistaken for idleness, not true completion.