Labor for the right reasons

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 5:8

Labor Day means different things to different people...the official end of summer, the day white shoes are no longer worn, a day off from work and a weekend of parades, barbecues and celebrations. "Officially" though, it is defined by the U.S. Dept of Labor as," the first Monday in September, a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."  This is the one day a year to celebrate our accomplishments and "officially" rest from the hundreds of other days we spend laboring in pursuit of wealth, position or some other reward. 

What is your attitude towards work? Do you find it burdensome? Are you grateful?  God, from the very beginning, designed us to work, "The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it." Genesis 1:27-28, 2:15. And God is very specific that our attitude should be Christlike in all we do, "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free." Ephesians 6:7-8. Not only should our attitude be Christlike so should our motives, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life" John 6:27

We should work everyday as if we were working for Christ, with a joyful heart and our eyes focused on the eternal rewards of a life well lived. Since we can do nothing apart from Christ, including our jobs, today should then be a day to recognize and honor the One who provided them and gave us the ability to fulfill those jobs.  Don't leave God out of your celebration, make Him the center of it! We are nothing apart from Christ and we have nothing that He didn't give us, "From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another."   Wow, what a reason to celebrate!! Happy Labor Day my friends. May you find time to sneak in a few miles before the day begins.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for setting apart of day of rest and reflection.  I pray that we remember where our blessings come from - although we work for a perishable reward now, I pray we are ultimately working for the reward of eternal life and resting with You after our work is done. Meanwhile, may we work to the best of our ability with a thankful and joyful heart showing your love to others as we do so, that they might come to know you through our actions.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!

www.team413.org

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK0-89RJIL4