Happy Labor Day // 1 Corinthians 15:58

I hope you have plans for a restful Labor Day, the annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late 19th century, when activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the contributions workers made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

A day of rest from labor is consistent with God’s plan for humanity. God worked to create, then rested. God told Adam and Eve they had work to do, and so do we. Part of the rhythm of life is to work and rest. The curse that came to all as result of their sin is that labor should be difficult…both labor in our vocations and labor in childbirth. Despite the difficulties we face with labor, God wants us to use our work to help make Him known.

This helps provide some insight for today’s verse from 1 Corinthians 15:58. We see that when we work for the Lord, it is never in vain. If you look just ahead of those words, you see an interesting exhortation that we are to stand firm and not let anything move us. What does that mean? Well, I’m glad you asked! We are to keep working for God even when the forces we face in the world try to detract or distract us. We are to work in principle and purpose, knowing that the challenges we face both serve to strengthen our character and resolve, as well as to enhance our witness and impact.

So, as we enjoy this Labor Day, allow me to ask where you feel the world trying to move you away from faithful service to the Lord? How can you stand firm and be immovable in your faith-filled dedication to God’s call on your life? And what can you do in your work to grow stronger and (even more) effective in making the love of God known to a lost and weary world? Do that with the assurance that whatever you do, it is never done in vain!