“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Happy Labor Day 2024! The day we officially honor the American worker. The U.S. Dept of Labor states the following, “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.” (1)
Over the last one hundred years the recognition and honoring of the American worker has faded. It has become a day of picnics and a chance for a final summer get-a-way weekend. Nothing against a weekend vacation or a Labor Day picnic, I plan to grill a few Hot Dogs myself, but the purpose of the day has been lost to our pleasures.
How much more tragic when we overlook or take for granted the work being done for the Lord and those who perform the work. Christians should not look for recognition in doing the Lord’s work, but discouragement often arises when there is no response to the work for the efforts put into it. Paul encourages us to always give 100% to the Lord’s work, “because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1Cor.15:58 nlt)
This Labor Day may we not get discouraged if we do not see fruit from our labor in the Lord but continue to ‘give ourselves fully’ to the work He has given us. The Lord guarantees our labor is not vain. It will pay off in His timing. And may we give a word of encouragement to all who are in the service of the Lord, and that is all of us, no matter our occupation.
Word for the Soul 