Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
Today is Labor Day, the first Monday in September, a holiday that honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. For the Christian, it is also a time to reflect on work as worship, because work is a gift from God given to mankind back in the Garden of Eden, before the fall of Adam and Eve.
Now, Adam’s sin brought a curse on work after rebelling against God. But work is still a good gift given to us by our Good God. To be sure, work is more difficult now after man’s sinful rebellion, but work is still a good gift that is to be used to expand the cause of God’s Kingdom for His glory. Principles for work are littered throughout sacred Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. All work is to be done for the glory of God. All work is to be seen as a gift from God. All work is good work. And there is no such thing as sacred work and secular work. Whether we are working as a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, if we are working for God’s glory, it is good work. Below are three things to reflect on regarding Labor in the Lord.
Work is a GIFT from GOD
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)
Work is for the GLORY of GOD
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
Work is for the GOOD of OTHERS
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
We have all been given gifts, talents, and abilities to do work that brings honor and glory to God. Christians are to occupy every sphere of the work force because all work is an act of worship with it is done for the glory of God to expand the cause of His Kingdom. Oh, one final point about your Labor in the Lord – you need to remember God’s formula for work . . .
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work. (Exodus 20:8-10)
On this Labor Day, let us remember that work is a great gift from God AND so is rest. Make no mistake, our God can do much more with our six days of work than we could ever do by working all seven. Work and rest are the rhythm of the Christian life of laboring in the Lord. When we see work as a gift from God for the glory of God, our work will be for the good of others and human flourishing will be the greatest increase God will provide.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 