labor: expenditure of physical or mental effort
especially when difficult or compulsory.
The nation pays tribute on Labor
Day to the creator of so
much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — namely, the American
worker.
Labor Day became an official American holiday in 1894.
America’s
vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the
greatest production the world has ever known. Labor Day is an opportunity for Americans to
celebrate their diverse talents and the benefits of a capitalist society.
As a laborer in the Kingdom of God, we also have
high standards and goals to uphold. The Apostle Paul exhorts workers in
Colossians 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not
to men.” Our work ethic is forged in God’s Word, and as Christians, we are on
display for the whole world to view. Paul often spoke of his “labors”
as he rebutted his opponents about supporting himself, or while praising a
church-plant for their "labor
of love."
In
Ephesians 4:28 he writes to the church regarding work saying, “Let him who
stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor,
working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who
has need.” I Corinthians 3:9 tells us “we are God’s fellow workers.” Paul
referred to his own service to his beloved children as “being poured out as a
drink offering” and was glad for it.
The
writer of Hebrews instructs us in verses 10-12 to be confident of the blessing
we will receive as we serve the Body of Christ - “For God is not unjust to
forget your work and labor
of love which you have
shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do
minister.”
Our biblical work ethic is the backbone of the success this country has enjoyed for over 200 years.
Jesus Himself commended the church at Ephesus, in Revelation 2:2,
saying, “I know your works, your labor, your patience,
and that you cannot bear those who are evil...”
The word labor congers up an image of a woman about to bear a child. Pain intensifies as the contractions progress. However, once the child is born, the mind has a way of forgetting the pain and focusing on the newborn. When we labor for something that is important to us - something that will make a difference - it often ends up being less of a chore and more of a privilege.
Here's a timely anecdote:
A stranger came to three workman all of whom were employed on the same job. He asked each worker what he was doing. Growled the first man: "I'm breaking rocks." Said the second: "I'm earning a living." But the third man replied with a smile, "I'm building a cathedral."
A stranger came to three workman all of whom were employed on the same job. He asked each worker what he was doing. Growled the first man: "I'm breaking rocks." Said the second: "I'm earning a living." But the third man replied with a smile, "I'm building a cathedral."
If you labor in love for something, it’s really not work after all…
If a
task is once begun, never leave it till it’s done.
Be the labor great or small, do it well or
not at all. ~Anonymous
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it
with all of your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Deborah is the author of a Christian
non-fiction book titled “Mission
Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their
spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the
reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
Visit
http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
Love your anecdote and I agree--if you love what you do, it's not "work!"
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Sandra. And yes, you can labor with love for those things that are your work profession! :)
ReplyDelete