When the only motivation for working is to survive—to pay bills, eat, and repeat—life slowly loses its meaning. Existence becomes mechanical. You work to live, and live only to work again.
This is not new. Scripture already diagnosed this problem thousands of years ago.
Egypt: Work Designed to Break the Spirit
In Egypt, Pharaoh did not simply demand productivity; he imposed work meant to crush the soul. The Torah calls it avodat parej—destructive labor. It was work without purpose, designed to keep people exhausted, distracted, and unable to think about freedom.
That is why Pharaoh forced the Hebrews to gather their own straw while demanding the same brick output. The goal was not efficiency—it was discouragement. Nothing drains a person faster than labor that produces nothing meaningful.
Because of this, the Torah explicitly forbids such treatment:
You shall not rule over him with harshness; you shall fear your God.
Leviticus 25:43
Work without purpose is a form of bondage.
The Modern Version of Slavery
Today, we call it the rat race—endless effort with no lasting fulfillment. People work nonstop just to afford the strength to keep working. The cycle never ends.
This is why many people collapse emotionally after retirement. When work was their only source of meaning, removing it leaves a void. Survival alone is not a reason to live.
Purpose Changes Everything
Work itself is not the problem. Meaningless work is.
When work has purpose, it becomes dignifying, strengthening, and even joyful. Those who live by the Torah understand something crucial: everything we do echoes beyond this life. Our actions matter in the Kingdom to come.
That awareness transforms even ordinary labor.
Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as working for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23
Wholehearted Effort Is Not Optional
Yehovah does not accept careless obedience. Scripture is blunt:
Cursed is the one who does the work of Yehovah negligently.
Jeremiah 48:10
This principle reaches beyond that historical context. Anything done in obedience to Him requires diligence, intention, and sincerity. Half-hearted effort empties work of its value.
If you find no passion or meaning in what you do, it is time to stop and examine your motives. Nothing worthwhile should be done without conviction.
The True Goal
Our ultimate purpose is not survival, comfort, or productivity. It is to repair the world through obedience to Yehovah’s will. When that goal is clear, even the smallest task gains weight and dignity.
That is how we live with meaning—and how we hope to hear, one day:
Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Master.
Matthew 25:23
In Egypt, Pharaoh did not simply demand productivity; he imposed work meant to crush the soul. The Torah calls it avodat parej—destructive labor.