Celebrate Labor God's Way

             We just completed the celebration of Labor Day, a day that has been set aside to recognize those who labor to make our society function.  Everyone would agree that we need electricians, plumbers, waiters and waitresses, truck drivers, airline pilots, and the list could go on.  In today’s culture, we might have a little more difficulty agreeing on whether we need cashiers (self-checkout has taken over), policemen (although the crime rate seems to be reminding more people that they are necessary), and lawyers (they sometimes cause more trouble than they solve.  I can say that since I am one.)

            While all these roles and so many more may be needed, unfortunately, many of us find ourselves in jobs that we hate or that give us no satisfaction.  We stay because we need a paycheck or insurance, or we just need to feel productive in some small way.  Many of us also live for the day that we can retire and walk away from that “dead-end” job.   

            Work alone can’t give us happiness any more than retirement can.  Purpose is what brings joy to your life.  I speak from experience here.  For the last 20-plus years of my work life, I had a job that I loved.  Yes, there were times when I was frustrated, or angry, or disappointed, but for the most part, I loved what I was doing.  Then came retirement, everyone’s dream but mine.  I went from having a specific title, filling a specific need, and having a definite purpose to not knowing who I was, what I should be doing, or what my purpose was.  That was not a fun time.

            The problem was that, like so many people, I didn’t understand what my real “work” was.  As Christians, we have one job and that is to do the work of Christ (John 9: 4).  Whether we are still part of the labor force or retired, we are still on mission for Christ.  That is our purpose as Jesus spelled it out in the Great Commission.  “Go and make disciples… (Matt. 28: 19).  We don’t ever retire from that “work.”  It is the one thing that gives us purpose in this life, regardless of where we are on our career path.

            Paul makes our purpose clear in Colossians 3: 23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (NIV84).  If you are an electrician, you are putting in those lights for the Lord.  If you are a policeman, you are serving God by protecting His children.  If you are a lawyer, you are pursuing justice God’s way.  If you are retired, you are using your newfound free time to serve God in the Church, in the community, or maybe even around the world.  Service for God does not end until you take your last breath.

            Whatever your job, do your best because you are working for God.  Your earthly employer may not always appreciate what you do, but God will.  When you are working for Him, your work will never be in vain. 

            “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (I Corinthians 15: 58 NIV84).

Colossians 3: 23

II Timothy 2: 15

I Corinthians 15: 58

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