Labor Day – the “unofficial” last day of summer and, for most of us, a Monday holiday. But what is the real meaning of the day? Here’s the official (from a government website) meaning:
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
So it’s a celebration of American hard work, ingenuity and our “can do” attitude to get things done. So today we celebrate you – the American worker who keeps our country going. From the CEO to the dishwasher, our country needs each one working to do their part to keep our economy moving.
The principle of productive work is actually rooted in scripture, not American history. We need look no further than the book of Genesis to learn that God ordained work from the very beginning of time:
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. – Genesis 2:15 (NIV)
Work isn’t a curse (although we feel like it is sometimes!), rather it’s part of God’s plan for His creation to be caretakers of our world. However, due to the entrance of sin into Eden, work became difficult and a continual struggle for humankind.
As a Christian we are called not only to do our jobs well, but to let our jobs be an act of worship:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
When you return to work on Tuesday, remember who you are really working for – the Lord Jesus Christ. Let that fact motivate you to be the best you can be at your job – not for a raise or approval of others – but to give glory to the Lord with all that you do.
Next week we’ll return to the topic of Spiritual Discipline. We’ll be delving into Bible study!