Established as a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day celebrates and recognizes the contributions of workers who have played a vital role in ensuring America's strength, prosperity, and well-being. It is a day set aside to honor those who labor.
What Does Labor and Toil Mean?
What does it mean to labor, and how do we define toil? These words often carry negative connotations. When we think of labor, we might picture a woman in labor—certainly hard work! Toil, too, often brings to mind something burdensome, like a tedious workload. Yet, when we labor or work, we are exchanging our time, talent, and energy for some form of reward, and in scripture, we are promised a reward for our labor.
In 2 Chronicles chapter 14 we read about King Asa, the third king of Judah and a descendant of David, who ruled for forty-one years (1 Kings 15:10). King Asa was reverent in maintaining the traditional worship of God and rooting out idolatry. He upheld the faith of the Israelites. In 2 Chronicles 15:1-6, the prophet Azariah visited King Asha and reminded him of the importance of seeking the Lord in his reign, encouraging him to be strong and not give up in his faith, telling Asa, But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7).
While on earth, we are given the gift of work by God, That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 3:13). As we endeavor in our labors, remember, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23). The Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful picture of this, an example of laboring for the good of her family. Her industrious efforts provided food and income, which she wisely invested. She was not only a model for us to follow but was blessed by her children and praised by her husband, with a beautiful reminder in verse 30 that Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Here we can infer that her reverence for the Lord is her true reward.
Spiritual Labor
Physical labor is good, but have you considered that we also labor in our spiritual work? We are called to labor for God and His people. In 1 Timothy 6:10-19, we learn that our hope should not be in wealth, but in God. In fact, we are urged to stay away from those whose love of money and greed caused them to stray from the faith. Rather, we are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). By doing so, we will lay up treasure for ourselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that we may take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:19).
So, whether we are seeking financial gain here on earth, or our heavenly prize of eternal life, when we dedicate our labor to God, we acknowledge that He is our ultimate reward. By offering our labor and toil to Him we allow God to work in and through us to fulfill His will. Paul urged the church in Philippi to continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:12-13). This Labor Day, consider reflecting on your labor and toil, and consider all the good works we undertake to honor our heavenly Father.
In Christ's love,
Tracey
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