Labor does not have to be a Labor

Posted on 08/31/2025 in General |

This week, we celebrated Labor Day. For many Labor Day is just a long weekend, one last vacation before fall. Growing up, Labor Day was the last day of summer vacation before the start of school. It was also the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon to raise money for muscular dystrophy. Labor Day is a holiday that began in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday. This day was to be set a part to recognize the contributions of American workers. The day is designed to celebrate the achievements of the American worker to make our nation strong and prosperous.

Labor refers to the effort that is expended to make the goods we use and the services we need. Since the fall of men in the book of Genesis, labor has been associated with pain. As a part of the curse, God made work painful. By the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground (Genesis 3:19). But work was created before the fall, “God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Before sin, work was not painful, but because of sin work has been a labor.

However, as a Christian, work does not have to be a labor but a joy. It can still be difficult and hard but it can bring joy. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” We can have joy in our work if we do it for the Lord, serving Him and not men.