What does Labor Day Mean to You?

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Matthew 9:35-38 New King James Version

Labor Day is tomorrow, which to most people is seen as the day heralding the end of summer. The creation of Labor Day was however meant to pay yearly tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of The United States. The big city unions of the late 1800’s wanted their workers to be recognized and began to host rallies in support of their members. Eventually the government caught on, and in 1896, President Grover Cleveland declared the first Monday in September to became the national holiday known as Labor Day.

Even in Jesus time, however, the importance of the worker was stressed. I think that now, more than ever, men and women need to answer the call to work for the Lord. Does that mean giving up all that you currently own to become a missionary overseas? Maybe, but probably not. Does it mean that you need to go back to school and enter the seminary? Maybe, but perhaps not. Does it mean you should offer to teach Sunday School, become an usher during your worship services, serve on one of your church boards? Yes, it does. It definitely does. Does it mean you should work at your local soup kitchen, tutor low-income kids, volunteer at a clothing drive? Yes, it sure does.  

Your job is not only to work 40 hours a week to bring in a pay check. Your job is to bring people to the Kingdom of God. How’s that working for you?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to live in a country where I can earn an income to support my family. Help me to use those wages to also support Your Family. Help me to help others give their time and talents to You and Your Children as well. Amen.

A parade in support of the Red Cross in a Nairobi neighborhood the last day I was there in 2013.