This weekend is the only weekend of the year where for 3 days we celebrate labor. We call it Labor Day weekend.  Wait, is that what we are celebrating? I thought we were celebrating the end of the summer and it was a weekend to not think about work.  Or maybe in your family it was a work weekend – spending the extra day off prepping for the end of summer and beginning of fall.  Most Americans don’t realize that it was instituted as a federal holiday in 1984, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century. 

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. Ecc. 3:22

The question we should be asking…Why, as Jesus Followers, should we be celebrating our work?  Because our work is a gift from God and our workplaces are the location of most of the pre-believers in our country. Our work is the central location for Gospel Transfer.  What is Gospel Transfer.  We are to spread the Good News about Jesus and Jesus gave us our workplaces as the best place to do it. We do it through natural conversations and deepening relationships.  The good news is life transformational and it brings hope to the hopeless and freedom to the captives.

So the next time you think about complaining about work and labor, be reminded that God gave you work as a gift and He wants to partner with you in that work for the accomplishment of your excellence in that work, and to share the joy, hope and freedom you have in Jesus with others.  You are a missionary in the ministry place of your work.  God chose you on purpose to be right where you are at! 

Enjoy your weekend and celebrate work!

Jim