On June 28th, 1887, congress passed an act establishing the first Monday in September as Labor Day. The Department of Labor stated that, “it is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.” (1)
Labor Day honors the hard-working laborers whose blood and sweat made this country great.
Yet, have we completely forgotten the true source of our strength, freedom and leadership? To be sure, we must all toil and occasionally even sweat for it, but God is the One from whom all blessings flow. The One who equips and strengthens us for work. The One who gives us our skills and talents and abilities. The One who creates work for us.
God has given us both the gift of work and the command to embrace rest. We should celebrate His grace and mercy and salvation every day.
Unfortunately, the more we glorify our achievements, the harder it becomes to accept that grace is freely given with no strings attached. People begin to say things like:
“Hoping gets you nothing in life. If you want more in life it is your job to earn it.”
Robert Kiyosaki
Yes, the American Laborer’s hard work and dedication have increased our standard of living and our level of production. His and her contributions have made possible the economic and political status our Nation enjoys.
But at what cost?
Has pride in our workmanship reduced God to an afterthought?
Has our view of work corrupted our understanding of grace?
Has habitual busy-ness depleted the craving for stillness?
Has the elevation of work devalued our desire for rest?
As we celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of those in the labor force, have we somehow forgotten that grace is a gift we don’t have to earn? Has the mainstreaming of busy contributed to a communal displeasure with stillness? Are we all so hard at work striving to improve our standard of living that we’ve neglected God’s command for rest?
Because if we have, we missed the point of our God-appointed labor.
Unless our labor points others to Christ, it serves no eternal purpose. It is simply chasing after the wind. It is vain. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
This is why I’m so passionate about highlighting the practical ways people are doing this through their lives on Masterpiece Mondays. I want to demonstrate the feasibility of glorifying God through whatever He has given our hands to do.
Lest you call me un-American or a scrooge, I’m not suggesting we do away with Labor Day, just that we strike a balance.
*Between serving God and resting in His promises.
*Between appreciating the Laborer and glorifying the One who blessed us with the opportunity to work.
*Between busying ourselves with necessary tasks and humbly submitting to still moments spent with Him who rules all eternity.
*Between simply working for earthly gain and adding heavenly value to the work we do.
That is my challenge to you this weekend.
Don’t just celebrate all those who labor.
Glorify God for the blessing of that work as well as the rest He has commanded, and point others toward His gift of salvation through grace for which we never have to toil.
This year, This Labor Day, pay tribute to our Creator who equipped the laborer. Click To Tweet
Labor Day may not have been the downfall of our country, but the only way we will rise up is by the grace of God.
“I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14
For more encouragement please join the discussions on these fabulous blog link ups - Suzanne Eller, Thought Provoking Thursday, Susan B. Mead, Faith Filled Friday, Grace and Truth, Faith and Fellowship Friday, Grace and Truth Friday, Good Morning Monday, Soul Survival, Monday Musings, Rah Rah Link Up, Tell His Story, Woman to Woman Wednesday, Women With Intention Wednesday, Sitting Among Friends, Word of God Speak, Testimony Tuesday.
(1), (2). Internet Source accessed on 2 August 2016, https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history, U.S. Department of Labor.
Keep putting together Masterpieces! PTL!
XO
As long as God keeps giving me the means to! Thank you!! ☺️
I think it’s a wonderful idea to highlight how people share the love of Christ through their jobs. We have this sweet lady on our campus. (She would be mad at me for bringing attention to her.) But she’s everyone’s mom and prayer warrior. You can stop by her office at any time and she will pray with you:) She also gives her own time and money to giving all the staff members little gifts of appreciation. Mints, gum, candy, etc. with notes of encouragement. Our workplace wouldn’t be the same without her. She does not like the spotlight, so I won’t mention her name:) But she is definitely making a difference for God!
Liz, you’ve brought up some interesting points. It is true. We have become a culture full of people who pursue busy, and work hard striving for more, at the expense of the stillness our hearts crave. I like what you said about needing to keep a balance. Yes, we have been given the opportunity and the means to work hard, but by Whom? By our Lord, the Giver of grace.
Thanks for letting your passion peek out and cause me to stop and think. Well done. 🙂
“Unfortunately, the more we glorify our achievements, the harder it becomes to accept that grace is freely given with no strings attached” This. As a culture. You make so many terrific observations and connections here. Saving this one, Liz!! 1 Timothy 4:10 comes to mind : )
Wow! Liz, this is so good! What incredible and thought-provoking truths. I love it! Thanks so much for sharing! GOD bless you, Beautiful! 🙂
Thanks, Tai! Always happy to share what God lays on my heart! Blessing to you!