The worth of work.
It’s Monday, September 7, 2020, which means that today is Labor Day. For most, it’s a day off work that signifies the end of summer.
In our house, this last part is very true. Tomorrow morning, all of our children will officially be in school, even if “in school” in 2020 means gathered around the kitchen island on school-issued computers, straining to hear a teacher communicate through a video link.
Labor Day has not always been about the end of summer, however. At it’s inception in 1894, it was intended to celebrate to working man and woman who kept the nation running.
Yesterday morning, I taught on the nature of giving, and mentioned that even work itself is a gift from God. His admonition to Adam and Eve that they inhabit the garden and subdue the earth indicates that the Garden of Eden was not some all-inclusive resort experience that would cause people to grow lazy and ungrateful, but a partnership with God Himself, where men and women would be allowed the dignity of work and be rewarded for their efforts.
Here are a few things to ponder on this Labor Day.
Your work is not a curse.
The curse in the garden came much later in the story. Work was offered to Adam and Eve at the very outset when the Lord told them to subdue the earth.
Work itself is a gift. If you don’t believe that, have a cup of coffee with someone who is looking for work. They would be glad to have the gift of work right now..
Your work is a unique opportunity.
In working with and for others, you are afforded a way to display the character of Christ to people who may never hear a sermon or read a scripture. A small percentage of people attend church, but the vast majority of people get up and go to work.
Your faithful service and kind demeanor will reach more people than your pastor’s teaching ever will.
Your work is not always your calling.
Some years ago, I was interviewing for a job and the interviewer, looking for a certain spark in my heart for what was a very mundane job, asked me, “What’s your passion?” Before I thought it through, I replied, “Feeding my family.”
There are people who know from a young age what they want to do and pursue it with a passion. Those people get up every day with a sense of purpose that they are walking out their destiny. They say “Find your passion and make it your job.”
This is great when it’s possible, but many people never get that chance. Their work is still valuable, but it isn’t their calling. Their calling lies in other areas, but they still serve the Lord in their work.
The highest calling of a believer is to serve the Lord in all they do, whether it’s a world changing role or simply a job that allows them to pay the bills so they can go home and be godly parents.
We all get a chance to affect the future through our character and gifting. Some do through their vocation, others do through serving in other ways.
Take a moment today and thank Him for work. If you are looking for work, we want to join you in prayer - email me at randy@thebridgekc.church and we will stand with you!
We love you all -
Randy & Kelsey
