God's work

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Noun

God's work (uncountable)

1. Work in accordance with the will of God.
   • 2007, Angelo Letizia, The Battle for Existence‎, page 110:

     He had done God's work by killing a man and would now gladly pay the earthly penalty, because he thought his reward would be in heaven.

   • 2014, Terence Park, “The Old House”, in Ice Made and Other Stories‎, page 87:

     We go along the walk-ways, among trees, shrubs and flowers. In that world, the buzzing of insects is rife. Once settled, they preen, crawl or sting, as is their wont. Yet they too do God's work.

   • 2014, Douglas Preston, The Kraken Project‎:

     His father was one of those delusional souls who believed that making money was doing God's work.

   • 2014, Daniel Carnahan, The Manipulator‎, page 222:

     " […] The good book says when we act on behalf of another in need; we are doing God's work.”

2. Work that accomplishes good.
   • 2007, Tom Walsh, Walker‎, page 40:

     “Well, Walker, I think you'll enjoy the job. It's a lot of work at times, but baking is God's work, you know—feeding the people who need food to live.”

   • 2011, Kristin Stefanos, Avenging Angel's Scythe‎, page 325:

     I just wanted to say, I am proud to know you. What you're doing with this kid's important.” “Thanks, Eric. Like my old psychiatry professor used to say, we're doing God's work.

   • 2002 January 14, Richard Pyle, “At Fresh Kills, `God's work' is under way”, in The Associated Press:

     "This is not a garbage dump; it's a special place," an emotional Chief of Detectives William Allee said during a tour on Monday. "It is sacred ground to all of us. We're doing God's work and I feel honored to be here."

3. (idiomatic) Work that is very important and necessary, especially that which receives little or no recognition or pay.

Synonyms

• the Lord's work

Translations

See also

• supererogation

Anagrams

• work dogs, workdogs