Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.

While our country is not perfect, I believe we have much to be proud of. We live in a country where freedom is honored and contributions to the betterment of society are valued.

The same holds true in God’s church. In Christ, we are offered freedom from the penalty of sin and the work we do for Him and His kingdom is valued. There is one difference, though.

In our country, contributions and achievements for the betterment of our society result in personal accolades and honor, with the focus being on the individual and his/her personal accomplishments and ambitions. Not that this is necessarily bad, but it does not align with the work we do for God’s Kingdom.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, writes:

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom...  16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

- James 3:13, 16-18

James is telling us that our work, our accomplishments, our achievements, and ambitions are not to be for our own personal glory and honor, which often lead to disorder and evil practice, but done in humility and purity, leading to righteousness and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:16, “...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

In other words, we are to perform admirably, and let our light shine before others, but our work and our achievements are not to be performed for our personal glory and honor but to point to the glory and honor of our Heavenly Father.

This Labor Day, I encourage us to celebrate the accomplishments of laborers throughout the history of our great nation who have helped make our country what it is today. But I also encourage and challenge us to be purposeful and intentional as to how our good works can be done with humility and wisdom, full of mercy and good fruit, not pointing to ourselves but seeking to honor and glorify our Father in Heaven.

Happy Labor Day!

Pastor Ken

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