What makes you LABOR?
It is Labor Day weekend. Many of us have a three day weekend. It is the "unofficial ending of summer and beginning of fall." Many stores have huge sales on certain items - clearing the summer stuff for the upcoming fall and holidays. There are picnics and barbecues. Our neighborhood pool season wraps up with a party on Labor Day. And when I was younger, it was my last weekend of summer frolic, freedom, and fun...because school started bright and early on Tuesday following Labor Day. But why do we even have the Labor Day Holiday?
The first Labor Day occurred in 1882 in New York City. The founders of Labor Day had two basic goals: unifying union workers and a reduction in work time. At first no government entity recognized Labor Day and gave a day off, that is until there was a one day strike in the city. Striking workers marched in a parade and then enjoyed food, drink, fun, and fellowship at a giant picnic afterwards. In 1894, twelve years after the first Labor Day, President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day bill into law. Thus, the birth of the Labor Day Holiday.
But what is Labor? The definition of labor is work hard, great effort, it is also having difficulty in doing something despite working hard. This last definition applies to many ladies during childbirth. But one thing for sure is that labor requires effort, sum times struggle, and hard work. So what is it that makes you labor? Is it worthwhile?
The Bible is filled with wisdom and encouraging words about the importance of worthwhile labor. Here are a few verses:
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work... Exodus 20:9-10
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Psalm 128:2
Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. Ecclesiastes 3:22
And Jesus even speaks about labor:
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mathew 11:28
On this weekend where we celebrate work, may we take time to evaluate and be challenged to make sure that our labor is worthy. And if feeling tired, then let us claim and experience the rest that we can receive from our Lord, Jesus. And may He tell us "job well done".
If traveling, please be safe. No matter what, take time to relax and recharge. And join us Sunday for a wonderful time of Bible Study and Worship. We will continue our journey in 1 John.
And ALWAYS Remember...
YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)