Today, celebrate more than the end of summer, a day off work, or the American worker. Also, celebrate work!
Officially, Labor Day recognizes 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.1
For the Christian, it should be more. We recognize work as a privilege and gift from God.
Work is a gift from God.
Solomon wrote:
Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. (Eccl 2:24)
I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. (Eccl 3:12-13)
God places enjoying the good in his labor on par with eating, drinking, and enjoying marriage (cf., Eccl 9:9). God provides work as a means to gain good for our labor. The benefits and blessings that work provides are gifts from God.
Work hard for the glory of God.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Eccl 9:10)
Work is limited to earth. You might be glad! However, Solomon points out that now is the time to put your energy into working for the glory of God. You will not have this opportunity in the future. Your ability to honor God in your work is limited to here and now.
Therefore, enjoy your work and see it as a gift from God.
Regardless of what job you have today, recognize it as a gift from God. Your job is part of God’s grace to you. Now enjoy your Labor Day.
Want more teaching on this topic? Here is my sermon on “Your Work and the Gospel” from Sonrise.
