Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Labor Day is the first Monday in September and is a creation of the labor movement, dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. Basically, it is a day to celebrate those who work hard for a living. It is a day off, a time to be with family, a time to rest.
Work is a very important part of God’s will for people. God has always honored and provided work. The Bible begins in Genesis 2:2 with telling about God’s work in creating the world: And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. God was the first worker and He intends for us the work hard also. It feels so much better to work and accomplish something than to stay in bed or on the couch, or to play the days away and ignore what needs to be done. This certainly does not mean that we don’t need to rest – and play - sometimes. God intends for us to rest as much as He intends for us to work. There is great value in rest and without it, we cannot be our best. In rest God brings healing and replenishment for our souls. Rest can give us perspective and new passion for our work.
Jesus Set the Example
Jesus worked – a lot. He healed lots of people, preached to many crowds, performed miracles, and bought our salvation with his own life on the cross. His Father sent Him here with a purpose. He glorified God on earth with His life, and by finishing the job on the cross, in giving His life.
Work Is Good
We were created with potential and need to work. We crave purpose and sometimes that purpose is tied into our profession. Even when it is not, we won’t find our purpose on the couch. Our work says a lot about us - not our line of work, but how we work. Our work ethic, or the way we work, speaks to our character. If we don’t care about our work and do a poor job, it speaks to our level of integrity. No matter what your job is, it is important. Seemingly insignificant jobs are just as important as being the CEO of a big company. Someone is counting on you.
Everything you do is for God’s glory. When you work faithfully and do your job well, it is a reflection of God in you. Goodness, honesty, faithfulness, integrity and excellence all reflect the character of God in our lives, in our relationships, in our rest, in our play, and in our work.
Happy Labor Day!
Scripture to Claim:Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23
