One Money Design

How do you define Labor Day?  For many, it marks the official end of summer.  Most children are back in school, each day show signs of getting shorter with earlier sunsets, and depending on your location, there might be cooler temperature in the air.  Yes, summer months are finally coming to a close and football fans are excited to cheer on their favorite team as the fall sports season begins.

How does the US Department of Labor define Labor Day?

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to 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.

So, Labor Day is a holiday about work and recognition for the hard work people have put forth to strengthen our economy and our country as a whole.  Now as I refocus my attention, work and those without jobs come to mind.

Unemployment problems

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the unemployment rate is at 9.7% which is a 26 year high and is the highest unemployment rate since 1983.

Just the other night, I stood in my neighborhood park and met a new friend.  He told me he has been unemployed for several months and hasn’t had a single interview after submitting 400 resumes.   His words were –  

It’s tough out there.

While it can be discouraging, refocusing our attention on our real employer and what the Bible has to say about work can be uplifting.  Doing so, we can be better employees and if unemployed, know that our real employer’s timing for work will be perfect.

Who is our real employer?

Our work is for God’s glory and ultimately we should serve Him.  Having this as our focus can change works meaning and help us to get out of bed in the morning, motivated and ready to tackle what is in front of us for the day.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

How should we work? 

Scripture says, “work heartily” and “work with all your might.”  I don’t take this to mean put work at the top of the list and sacrifice everything to work hard.  Rather, when we are working, we should put forth our greatest efforts to do well.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV)

What should we do for work?

It can be difficult at times to identify the glory of God in our work.  Scripture uses the words “whatever you do” and “whatever finds your hand.” I take this to mean I don’t have to work for a church or Christian ministry to honor God with my work.  I may be a business professional, teacher or Starbucks employee.  It doesn’t matter.  We can glorify God no matter our trade as long as it is honorable. 

Work, while we often don’t think of it as such, is a blessing.  God expects us to honor Him, no matter our chosen trade, and be a witness to those around us in how we work.

Photo by Seamus Murray.

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