Labor Day
Ponder: Celebrating work
Scripture: “. . . let him labor, working with his hands what is good” (Ephesians 4:28 NKJV).
According to the web site wilstar.com, Labor Day “grew out of a celebration and parade in honor of the working class” in New York in 1882. By 1877 a few states recognized it as an official state holiday. Finally, in 1894, Congress made Labor Day a national holiday.
Political considerations aside, the Bible commends work. Even in Eden, before sin spoiled the scene, God had given Adam work to do: “to tend and keep” that beautiful paradise garden (Genesis 2:15). Be assured, Adam did not spend his days in Eden merely lying around in a hammock sipping pineapple juice!
We should not be surprised that God commends work. After all, God Himself works! On the seventh day, God “rested from all His work which He had done” during the six creation days (Genesis 2:2). Jesus was known as “the carpenter” (Mark 6:3), an occupation which certainly involves work.
God’s word routinely denounces laziness. The sluggard, for example, is advised to learn from the industrious ant (Proverbs 6:6-11). And the slothful man is called “a brother to  him that is a great destroyer” (Proverbs 8:9).
Not all labor is physical in nature. Paul urges that we be “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As the great old song says, “There is much to do; there’s work on every hand.” Brothers and sisters, let’s get to work! Happy Labor Day!
Song: “Here Am I; Send Me”
Prayer: Father, we thank you for the blessing of work. We praise you for the great work You have done in creating and redeeming us. May we quickly busy ourselves with Your work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)