Is Labor Day Biblical?

Today is a day that was originally designed by unions in the late 1800’s to celebrate workers in America.  Towards the end of the Industrial Revolution, the hard work of laborers in this country was recognized as something worth celebrating once a year.  However, in the 21^st century, there are few if any who see Labor Day as anything but a day off of work and the last family day of summer.

So what has changed?  Perhaps our whole perspective on work has morphed since the beginning of the last century.  Perspectives on work have certainly changed since it was originally instituted by God.

Yes, you read that correctly.  Work was God’s design and something that he modeled for us.  He worked on creation for six days (Genesis 1), and Adam was tasked by God to work the Garden of Eden and take care of it (Genesis 2:15).  Work is a gift to us from God and was built into God’s original design; it was only after the fall that work turned into something that we tend to want to get out of (see Genesis 3:17-19).

No, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a day off of work; another gift to us from God is the idea of Sabbath rest – a day each week where we cease working and find delight in God alone.  And there’s also nothing wrong with enjoying time with the families God has graciously given to us.  After all, family was also originally God’s idea (Genesis 2:24).

But most of us need a spiritual attitude adjustment when it comes to our normal mindset on work.  I’ll admit that I struggled when I recently worked outside the home for six years.  Although the people I worked with (both co-workers and the people I served) were not aware of it, my heart was at home; and going to work was not a positive experience for me.  I enjoy caring for my home and family; but I did not find it easy to find fulfillment in other work.

Maybe we need to be reminded that work was God’s idea and that the reason we’re here is to bring glory to him in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).  And maybe we also need to remember that God has called us to work at whatever jobs we have been given with all our hearts, remembering that it is really HIM we are working for (Colossians 3:23-24).  Or maybe we need the kind of reminder I got a couple weeks ago when I helped out serving a meal to a group of homeless people in my community.  I’m pretty sure most of them would rather have the opportunity to work instead of being dependent on the kindness of strangers.

So as you celebrate this Labor Day, take time to enjoy a break from work and spending time with family and friends.  But let’s not forget to be thankful for the work God has given each of us to do and the ability he has given each of us to bring glory to him through that work.  And maybe we’ll return to our jobs tomorrow with a little better perspective.  Have a great holiday!