God's Gift of Labor...
Labor is a term that is usually not considered pleasant in today's world.
If you say "I labored all day",
No one will say "That's great! I'm so happy for you!".
But if you say I didn't work today, I took the day off,
You'll probably hear "That's awesome. Good for you!".
Most people don't equate working with joy,
Some people dream of retirement,
Some people take pride in retiring early.
But is that the way God designed WORK?
Did you know that God WORKED too?
"God finished his WORK that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his WORK that he had done."
Not only did God WORK,
But He then gave his loving newborn child, Adam, the gift of WORK.
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to WORK it and keep it."
WORK existed in a perfect, sinless world.
WORK was part of God's original design,
WORK was a blessing.
However, because of sin working and labor has changed.
"Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life."
Even so, did God ever intend for our WORK to suck the life out of us?
Did God ever intend work to sacrifice our health, family and relationships?
Satan deceives us by dangling the carrot of wealth or retirement,
And has us chasing goals that may NOT be God.
So if you're working your butt off, remember this...
If you DON'T have time for God,
It's a red flag,
If you DON'T as God questions and LISTEN,
It's a red flag,
If you DON'T let God lead us and want Him to follow our lead,
It's a red flag.
Satan can use labor as a snare in our life,
Labor will become an act idolatry of putting our plans, wealth or success before God.
So what does God have to say about Labor?
"that every person who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—this is the gift of God."
- Even on this earth, work is a gift from God. It should NOT draw us away from Him but closer to Him.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
- There is joy in doing things for God's glory. If you don't have that ask "God can you make my work bring You glory and fill it with Your joy?"
"Whatever you do, WORK heartily, as for the Lord and not for men"
- God has you in where you're at for a reason and purpose. Seek that reason or purpose by asking "God, how can I serve You today?".
"Commit your WORK to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
- Your workplace is your chance to show a little bit of Jesus to everyone around you. Whether you meet people face to face or work remotely, you have interactions that God can use. Ask Him to use you and He will. "Lord, use me like a coin in your pocket. Spend me however You'd like. Use me in my WORKplace."
On this Labor Day,
Remember God's version of WORK,
It's a gift,
So you can BE a gift,
To share Jesus,
And be a blessing.
Ultimately, we look forward to the GOD original version of WORK,
Where it's a heavenly gift,
Where it's pure joy,
No pain or suffering,
Just perfect and full of God's glory.
"Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of WORK,
Thank You for giving us purpose and passion.
May I glorify You in all that I do,
May I do unto others as I do unto You,
May the way I work delight You and honor You.
Through my WORK,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
In Jesus name, Amen."
I look forward to LABORING with you in heaven, God style! ^_^
Until then, let's be representin' our Lord with joy and integrity,
May His fruits be apparent in any WORK we do! Wohooo!!!
