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September

September 6th is Labor Day, that civic holiday on which we honor those who work in the fields, the mines and factories of our nation.  It was established in New York City on June of 1882 as a celebration of the dignity of labor.  It was adopted as a national holiday in 1894.

Years prior to that, those who "worked with their hands" were regarded with contempt by those who held a “higher status” on the ladder of opportunity.  There were definite class distinctions and to some extent, this is still with us.

The Lord never saw people that way.  In fact, those that labored were honored by a place in numerous of his parables.  Jesus saw “those that labor” as symbols for the dedicated followers of God.  Jesus’ saying, "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" may well have had a part to play in the minds of those who established this national holiday of ours.

Whether you are a school student, a doctor, a waitress, retired, unemployed or independently wealthy, it’s important to ask yourself the question, “For what do I labor?”

Samuel Gompers who founded the American Federation of Labor was once asked, “What does American labor want?”  His answer was succinct, “More.”

What more do you want?  Take a few minutes and write down the answers to that question.  When you are finished, look at the list and ask yourself if these things are worth laboring for.  Will you truly be satisfied?  Ask especially if they are things for which God has called you to work.  Are they efforts dedicated to the Lord?

"Do not labor for the food that perishes but for the food that endures to eternal life."  Ask God to direct you to those labors that have lasting significance.  Ask God to show you what you can do.  Trust God’s empowerment of these efforts and know that if you labor in the work of the Lord, your labor will not be in vain.

Yours in Christ,