Labor Day
Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer and the weekend when we honor the American worker. According to the most recent Gallup poll entitled the State of the Global Workplace 2022, only 21% of employees are engaged at work, and 33% consider their well-being to be thriving. What does that mean? It means 8 out of 10 people aren’t enthusiastic about their work, don’t like to work, and don’t think their work matters. It also means that two-thirds of people are drowning in the frustrations of life’s toils. And I guess that even Christians fall into those groups.
The antidote to these frustrations isn’t simply to work harder, try more, or give up. It’s taking to heart what Paul said in Colossians 3:22-24:
“Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters; not by way of eye-service as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartedly as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that you will receive the inheritance as your reward from the Lord. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
We are to view our jobs – whatever they may be – as part of our calling as Christians and do everything for His glory. Our attitude, integrity, intensity, and skill are to be directed toward God. To give less than our best and to be a disgruntled employee is to bring reproach upon the Lord Jesus, who called us to that job.
With the scriptures as your guide this Labor Day weekend, ask yourself the following.
- Do I do my work for the glory of God?
- Do I honestly work hard?
- Do I work with enthusiasm?
- Do I work wholeheartedly?
- Do I do excellent work?
Second, after honest evaluation, confess your sins.
And, third, commit your work life to the glory of God alone.