Thoughts on Labor

When Labor Day came this past weekend, I took time to remind myself of its history and purpose.  Defined: Labor Day is a public holiday in the United States.  Always observed the first Monday of September, Labor Day celebrates and honors the contribution of the American system of organized labor and workers to the prosperity and economic strength of the nation.  It is traditionally considered the end of summer, and dates back to the 1880’s and 1890’s.

For Faith Perspectives, I thought it would be good to consider what the Bible had to say about “labor.”

One of our more common ideas would be II Thessalonians 3:7-12.  “ For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if  any would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”

I have often heard said that when it is all said and done, there is more said than done.  Proverbs 14:23 “In all labor  there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.”

Then there is those who just won’t work.  Proverbs 21:25-26 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor.  He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.”

Before his salvation the Apostle Paul was misguided, but when he came to the truth, he got busy for the Lord. I Corinthians 15:10 “..(God’s) grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all ..”

Some benefits of labor: I Corinthians 3:8  “.. and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” Luke 10:7 “.. for the laborer is worthy of his hire.”  I Timothy 5:18 “The laborer is worthy of his reward.”  Ecclesiastes 5:12 “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, ..”

Here is one for ministers, I Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially  they who labor in the word and doctrine.”  And for lay people involved in service. I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  Or Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name.”

Although there are multiple more, I trust these will conclude that God wants us to work (labor), and that there are rewards for working.  Always remember that salvation is a free gift; not of works. Eternal, heavenly rewards are earned! Ephesians 2:8-10. 

Pastor Mark Englebert, Door Bible Baptist Church