Labor day is a holiday that honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. In short, it celebrates all people that work to make a living and their contributions to society.

The bible talks a lot about working for a living. God himself worked hard to bring all creation into existence. Genesis 2:3 says “Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” In fact, after Adam and Eve were banished from the garden of Eden they were instructed to work the ground so they will have food to eat. Before this everything was provided for them by God but after they sinned Adam and Eve had to toil together just to feed themselves and their family.

Thanks to Adam and Eve we all have to work for a living and to provide food for ourselves and our families. So what does the bible say about working for a living? Paul writes in Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This means that whatever occupation you do you have to keep in mind that you are working for God and not just for human masters. 

Working for a living is something that God has instituted and so as Christians, we should always be mindful that whatever work we do is being used to glorify God. Mathew 5:16 says “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The way you conduct yourself at your workplace or at your business is important as people around you are watching. Your work ethic and the way you treat others at work are all opportunities for you to witness to others. Someone might even be interested in knowing about your God because there is something different about the way you conduct yourself at work.

The bible says in John 6:27 “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. Having a successful career and a great work ethic is not a bad thing, but if your work replaces your relationship with God then you just work for food that spoils. Psalm 127:1 says “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” The Lord should be the foundation for any work that you do otherwise you labor in vain. If you are not praying to God to lead you in your workplace and asking him for his guidance at work and how to conduct yourself then you are not working for God but for yourself.

Working is essential for Christian life but your work should never replace the time you spend with God. So this labor day as we all take a break from our stressful work lives let us remember to glorify God and spend some time worshipping him. Let us also thank him for everything he has provided and keep him first in our lives. Let us also strive to do our best in whatever we do as if we are working for God and not for man.

God Bless! Happy Labor Day!