Labor Day

 

When I was a kid, Labor Day was a bittersweet event. It marked the last day of summer vacation before school started the following day. As an adult, I’ve enjoyed having a three day weekend to relax and spend time with family.  Labor Day has been a federal holiday since the late 19^th century. Its purpose was to recognize the contribution of workers to America’s prosperity and wellbeing.

 

Labor Day is a good time to recognize the contributions of all Christians who work to build up the Body of Christ. To all of you who are laboring for the Kingdom, I thank you today for your willing spirit and faithful service.  May God bless you and support you in all you do.

 

I  read when Billy Graham passed away that the one thing he wanted to hear when he got to heaven was, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23). He was certainly deserving of that praise, but all those who serve, whether in big or little ways, can expect to hear that when their time has come. It isn’t our accomplishments but our faithfulness that matters to God. Jeremiah was a failure in the eyes of the world. The people didn’t listen to him and were killed or taken into exile. In God’s eyes, Jeremiah was a success because he faithfully said and did all God wanted him to. Remember that everything you do for God according to His will has great value, regardless of whether you see the fruits of your labor now or ever. As Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear brothers, 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 never in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

Let this day also be a reminder to us to support all those who labor with us and for us to bring the love of Christ to a hurting and needy world.