The Day After Labor Day

Isn’t it ironic that we celebrate labor by taking a day off from it? Perhaps we should celebrate Labor Day by working a double shift, or maybe simply have a big party after the day’s work with our co-workers to commemorate what we accomplished.

Okay, maybe that’s not a great idea, but I do think there is something to this taking a day off from work to celebrate work. I believe many people find themselves in careers and jobs that seem mostly laborious and meaningless and they look for every possible opportunity to get out of work that they can find. Perhaps when they began their career they believed it would be different or more rewarding, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. But they discovered along the way it was different than they had supposed.

God never intended work to be lifeless, meaningless, and laborious (in the negative sense). He designed work as a part of his good creation. He gave humans meaningful work to do in the Garden of Eden, before the Fall (Gen. 2:15). It was only after the Fall that we would eat “by the sweat of our brow.” And today, many work with two things in mind: the weekend, and retirement.

The Fall, though, did not completely destroy the human capacity for joyful, creative, and meaningful work. In Christ, we find a new and much more exciting sense of purpose about our work than simply getting by and keeping a roof over our heads. As a matter of fact, in the New Testament, we are admonished to do whatever work we do for the Lord (Col. 3:23). In light of the Resurrection, any work that is not immoral is seen as a creative act, making life better for people, including ourselves. It is seen as an act of service for Christ, on behalf of Christ. When I discover how I can best contribute to the greater needs of humanity and then find work that fits my talents and strengths, work becomes a joy. It can still be challenging. As a matter of fact, for work to be fulfilling, it must be challenging or we will quickly grow bored. (We have an upcoming series at Christ Church titled, “My Mission in the Marketplace,” you won’t want to miss it!).

So, as we go back to work today after a day of barbecue and bratwurst, let’s go with a renewed sense of purpose. We’re working for the Lord!