Hard Labor

By Our Daliy Bread

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. —Colossians 3:23

It’s one of life’s ironies that on Labor Day in the US and Canada, most of the workers get the day off. But that’s for good reason. What better way to reward a hard-working populace than to give the laborers a holiday!

Labor Day seems like a good time to take a closer look at what it takes to offer our employers our best.

1. No matter what our task, it’s our duty to work for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23). In this sense, no job is better than another. Each should result in honor to God.

2. The way we work can earn the respect of those who do not follow Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). A boss shouldn’t have to tell a Christian to use time well or to work hard.

3. Our work is one way to fulfill our dual purpose: to love God and others. Showing love to our co-workers is a good way to show that we love God (Matthew 22:37-40).

4. We must work to provide for those who depend on us. Harsh words of criticism are reserved for those who don’t take care of their family (1 Timothy 5:8).

Having a job can be hard work. Even for those who truly enjoy their jobs, it’s nice to have a Labor Day breather. But until the day comes when our work is over, our task is to make our labor a testimony to God’s glory.

Whatever you are working on,
Engage in it with zest,
Because your work is for the Lord,
And He expects your best. —Sper

It's not the hours you put in that count, but what you put in the hours.