“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 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, NIV

Americans have been celebrating Labor Day since the late nineteenth century.  As a result of the labor movement during the industrial revolution, Labor Day became a legal holiday.  During this time many Americans worked without a day off in unsafe work environments to earn enough wages to survive.  To recognize and celebrate American workers, an act was passed by Congress and then signed by President Grover Cleveland to make Labor Day a federal holiday (History.com Editors, 2021). 

Although Labor Day is recognized by our government, many people are still working today.  It is important that we remember with gratitude those who are still providing a service on Labor Day, or any other holiday.  National holidays do not necessarily mean a day off for health-care workers, law enforcement, first responders, food service providers, retailers, and so many more. 

Who Do You Work For?

If you work, then most likely there has at least been a time that you have had to do something you did not want to do.  For some, I may have just described your every day.  Maybe you don’t like your job, boss, or a co-worker.  Perhaps your working conditions are sub-par, you aren’t paid enough, or you never get enough time off.  You might be one of the workers who finds himself working every single holiday.  Possibly, you are saying “Yes!” to everything I just listed.  In these instances, it is important to remember who you work for. 

Ask yourself this question,” Who do I work for?…the boss, the company, the government, my family, myself, etc?”  Regardless of your answer, I want to give a new perspective.  Exchange the word “work” with the word “service.”  In the above scripture, Colossians 3:23, we are told to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”  The word “work” is used twice but at the end of the verse the word “serving” is used, “It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  When we work, we are told to do it to the best of our ability because we are really working for, rather serving, our Lord.

Like most dads, I always tell my boys that I expect their best.  I have taught them since they were young that I, but more importantly God, expects them to give their best in all they do.  In sports or school, I have always made it clear that I do not expect them to be the best, but I expect them to be the best that they can be.  This is what the Lord expects of us.  He gave us all different talents, skills, and gifts.  We are not called to be the GOAT in whatever arena we are in, we are just called to use our gifts to the best of our ability.  When we do this, we are serving Him.  And we know from scripture that we serve Him by serving others.

On this Labor Day, whether you are working or are getting revamped to get back at it Tuesday, think about this perspective.  Your work is really a service to others, which is more importantly a service to God.  It is ok to work for your boss, the company, your family, and whoever else, but ultimately, your true work, your service, is to Jesus Christ.

Enjoy your Labor Day.

What is a whetstone? Find a Whetstone; Be a Whetstone

References

History.com Editors.  (2021, August 30).  Labor Day 2021.  HISTORY.  Retrieved September 5, 2021 from, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1