In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

We do it the first Monday in every September. We pause to celebrate labor. For many, Labor Day is a three-day weekend that helps us celebrate the conclusion of a great summer with a party and some tasty grilled food. But what is Labor Day, really?

There’s so much more to Labor Day than the weekend getaways and the funny (but relatable) Labor Day memes we see online. In fact, as its name implies, the holiday has historical roots in the labor movement.

In addition, work is not God’s way of punishing us. In fact, He blesses us with the ability to work, so that we can honor Him. Colossians 3:22 says, “You who are servants who are owned by someone, obey your owners. Work hard for them all the time, not just when they are watching you.”

Whether you are a student, employee or both, it is important to look at our work from a Christian perspective. After all, we spend a lot of time at school and in the workplace.

Everyone has a different attitude when it comes to work. Some have the tendency to overwork themselves, while others avoid it at all costs. However, having either of these attitudes can lead to negative consequences.

So, what does the Bible have to say about work? As Christians, it is important to align our perspective with God’s when it comes to this topic. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (24) since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Paul was a tent maker. In the New Testament – Jesus made…

132 public appearances – 122 were in the marketplace
52 parables that Jesus told – 45 had a workplace context
Of 40 miracles in the Book of Acts – 39 were in the marketplace
Work, in its different forms, is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible – more than all the words used to express worship, music, praise and singing combined.

Don’t minimize your daily work – it is nothing less than a Holy calling. God has you right where He wants you… Right now!

When we go all the way back to Genesis, we can see that God worked when He created the world. Therefore, when we work, we resemble Him.

Colossians 3:22 says, “You who are servants who are owned by someone, obey your owners. Work hard for them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Work for them as you would for the Lord because you honor God.” When we obey the authority figures in our life, we are ultimately serving Christ.

As sons and daughters of God, we have all been given different talents and abilities. When we use our gifts, we can experience fulfillment as we serve Christ and share His love with others.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of rest. When God created the world, He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. When we give ourselves time to rest and be in God’s Word, we can recharge for what is to come. By resting, we ensure that we will be prepared to serve Christ in whatever comes our way.

This Labor Day weekend, take this time to rest. Reflect on what the Bible says about work and ask God to give you the discipline to apply these principles to your life. Ultimately, by doing this, we can glorify Him!

by John Grant
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Why do You want to be Successful?  Business leader Peter Chung, a Christian business man, shares about his experience.

Getting Life Back on Track by Marvin Kehler

Redefining Success – Successful business owner Dr. Ed Becker describes how is definition of success changed.

 Setting up a  Proper Foundation in Your Life for a Successful Business and Personal Life – Dr. Ed Becker

Unexpected Opportunity Herb Buller talks about how having cancer in his eyes turned into positive opportunities.

Being Honest and Ethical in Business – Herb Buller talks about  Seizing Opportunities and Becoming a Work of Art

What does Success look like for You?  Entrepreneur John Roise

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The post Christianity and Labor appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And I am sure the God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns” Philippians 1:6

Howard was adamant in his conviction. “I would never lead anyone to Christ that I could not personally follow up to be sure he matures and grows and becomes all that God wants him to be.”

“Since when did you assume the responsibility of the Holy Spirit?” I asked.

Obviously, we are to do everything we can to help a new believer grow to maturity in Christ – by teaching him to trust God, study His word, pray, live a holy life, and share his faith with others. But no matter how much we do, it is the Holy Spirit who helps the new believer come to Christ, and who illumines his heart with the Word. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray and empowers us to witness. In fact, there would be no supernatural life apart from the Holy Spirit.

Paradoxically, you and I can be confident, yet humble, when we think of all that we are, and all that we have in Christ, and realize that we are not responsible for any of it, but it is something which God has given us according to His grace. My only boast is in God, His Son Jesus Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirit. How can I boast of my abilities and achievements, when it is the Giver alone who is worthy of all honor and praise? The apostle Paul had the strong conviction that the work God had begun in the believer would be permanent. All events that transpire in our lives, all influences, heartaches, testings and sorrows, as well as all of the blessings, are designed to conform us to the image of Christ.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Today’s Action Point: God, who saved me, continues to work in my life, conforming me to the image of Christ. Therefore, I will continue to trust and obey Him, as I draw upon His supernatural resources.

by Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

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The post He Does the Work appeared first on Thoughts About God.