Thought for the Week

Labor Day has been a legal U.S. holiday since signed into law by President Grover Cleveland in 1897. On this day, we honor working people. This is not simply for those who labor with their physical bodies but also for those who use their minds and other abilities to earn a living. I think it should also be a day to honor God who gives physical bodies and the abilities to earn a living as well as providing the jobs created and filled. It is easy to think we have done this ourselves but it is not true. God, in His creativity, has given us bodies, and minds with ingenuity to create and sustain the universe. Sometimes we do not do a very good job of this but we have Him to thank for allowing us opportunity. In the beginning God called mankind to ‘be fruitful and multiply, to replenish the earth and to subdue it; to have dominion over animals, birds, fish, and even the earth itself’. I have no doubt God will one day bring us to an accounting for how well we have done as stewards of His Creation. This accounting will most certainly include how well we have treated each other in the process. I would like to remember there are those to celebrate who do not simply labor for a wage but those who volunteer. Think of all the benefit they bring to society and humanity. There may be those who say volunteers prevent working people from getting a job. Realistically I feel sure those who volunteer fill positions that would not be open for hire, even at a minimum wage. Many volunteer to do things in addition to holding down a regular job. I am thinking of volunteer firemen, other first responders, tutors, elected officials who serve without pay as a community service. There are also those who coach, who fill a host of roles in the church, in civic organizations, in social organizations, and the like. There are, of course ‘stay-at-home-parents’ and grandparents, who fill a valued and needed role in family at a sacrifice. I do not want to forget those who have and do a job but in the doing go ‘above and beyond’ the required minimum. I remember an illustration intended by one of our Sunday School teachers. He put a piece of scrap paper on the floor in the hall intending to tell folks that even a small task, such as picking up a piece of paper, can be done to the benefit of all. He had to replace the paper four times because folks kept picking it up. I think he finally changed his illustration. Jesus also used a gentle illustration telling folks that even one who gives another person a cup of water will receive a reward. Celebrate Labor Day by thanking someone who performs a service, someone going ‘above and beyond’ their duty, someone volunteering, someone who has given encouragement by their example, someone who just does a good job of what they are doing. Don’t forget to thank God, Who does all these things and more. Enjoy the ‘Day’. Make it not only a holiday but also make it a holyday by worshipping God and honoring His people in their callings and services. Perhaps as you observe others on the Day, you will find a way to volunteer, to fill a needed role, to go ‘above and beyond’, to improve your performance of your regular work. Maybe it would even be good to thank the boss for your job and his doing his job well. Surprisingly we can brighten the day for others.

Scriptures to Read

Genesis 1:27-31

Exodus 20:8-12

I Timothy 5:11-18

Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 4:25-28

I Thessalonians 1:4-10

Colossians 1:24-28