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Reflections

Labor Day

Labor Day and Memorial Day are bookends of summer for many people. The two holidays are often spent relaxing with families in some manner, with little thought of why the special day was designated.

I decided to search the origins of Labor Day. Thanks to the wonder of modern technology I had nearly 2 million stories in 11 seconds. I didn’t check them all—but the ones I did check had conflicting information as to the origin of Labor Day. Like the many streams flowing into the Mississippi River, many events evidently made a contribution to the day we observe.

Each story pointed to the time in history when many factory workers were employed long hours with little pay. Workers joined in the first Labor Day parade in 1882 to call attention to their needs. The day was made an official holiday in America in 1894. Since that time, working conditions for the common person have improved in our country.

Factory laborers in the late 19th century were not the first to feel the pressures of hard work. The apostle Paul compared the weariness of laborers to what Christians might feel in their work for the Lord.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV).

Laborers who are overworked and underpaid have a tendency to react in different ways. Some might walk off the job and give up completely. Others might get distracted by things around them. A few might continue working, without having their heart in what they do, because they don’t think their work has value.  Paul had a message to each of them and to us.

When you are tempted to give up in your work for the Lord, Paul’s message is: “Stand firm.”  Our paraphrase of that message might be, “Stay put!”  Don’t walk away from what you are doing for the Lord.

When other things distract you from doing the work of the Lord, Paul’s message is: “Let nothing move you.”  Or, to put it in our language, “Stick to it!” Don’t let other interests crowd out your service to the Lord.

When you approach your Christian service halfheartedly, Paul’s message is: “Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.” We might say to each other, “Get with it!” Don’t let your heart be enticed away from the work of the Lord. What you are doing is worth the effort.

Paul gives a powerful reason for these imperatives—the resurrection of Christ. His opening word “therefore” refers back to his lengthy exposition of the Resurrection. We are engaged in this work because of Christ’s resurrection. Paul concludes the sentence by telling them their labor is worthwhile because of the hope the Resurrection brings.

Today is Labor Day, a day to rest from routine labor. May it also be a day when you reflect on your attitude toward your labor for the Lord. I hope to hear that many of you determine to “Get with it!” in your Christian service, whatever that might be.

Points to Ponder:

What causes people to become discouraged in the work of the Lord?

Are these your personal reasons, or what you see in other people? How can we help ourselves and others to “Stay put” and “Stick to it” and “Get with it” for the glory of God?

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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