United Church of God

Letter From Dan Preston - August 31, 2018

Letter From Dan Preston

August 31, 2018

Good evening and Happy Sabbath!  In addition, I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy their Labor Day Weekend!

The working man's holiday

Whether you're a teacher, an accountant, a nurse, a cashier or retired, most of us either work now or have at one point in your life.  Maybe you like to cry some of them 'Working Man Blues' with Merle Haggard, or perhaps you see yourself mor like Rush's 'Working Man,' but in any case, we can all identify with working for a living.

Biblical perspective

As with most any topic in life, the Bible has much to say about working.  Certainly, Colossians 3:23 reminds us that in whatever we find ourselves doing, we work 'as to the Lord.'  That is, no matter who we work for, we work diligently, as if we were working for Jesus Christ!

We're also reminded that our work isn't just for us, but for others, in Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV), "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need."

Work is not just something we do to pay the bills.  It is a Biblical command! In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, we're reminded that those who don't work, don't get to eat.  The obvious implication here is that if we are able-bodied, we should work to support ourselves.

All work and no play

While we are commanded to work.  We're also reminded to enjoy the fruit of labor.  Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:18-19, "Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God."

Being able to work and earn money is a blessing.  But it is a blessing we can stop and enjoy! This Labor Day, as we enjoy the sunshine, swimming holes and grills, let's remember that our work is a blessing and gift of God we should be very grateful for!