Today in North America we honour and give thanks for the collective labour-force of people within our families, our communities, and our nation.
The gift of work is first seen with God. God created the earth and its inhabitants in six days and then rested on the seventh day. What beauty there is in this world to admire and enjoy because of God’s creative nature displayed in our environment, in the night sky, in animal life, and in those around us.
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. (Genesis 1:31, 2:2 NLT)
God has given skills and talents to each of us to enable us to work and provide for ourselves and our families and to take care of the environment in which we live. We are instructed to work hard, to give our work the best effort we can, and to be content with what we have.
Too many of us have lived between the extremes of working too much or working too little. God doesn't want us to run after money as the ultimate source of our security. He advises us to work hard and not squander the time and talents He has given us.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Colossians 3:23 NLT, Proverbs 16:3 NIV)
As we celebrate Labour Day, let's offer our work – studies, paid employment, volunteer work, recovery work etc. – to the Lord, and ask His blessings on all that we do so that our labour may contribute to honouring God and building up our community.
Prayer: May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands. Amen (Psalm 90:17 NIV)
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