This is why WE do it...

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve loved the extended weekend! I got a little extra sleep, had an excuse for doing a little less work, and have enjoyed spending more time than usual just hanging out with the family. If not for that whole “paying the bills” issue, I’m not sure we’d ever want go back to the office or workplace, right? Certainly the responsibilities and financial obligations we face are part of it. For as my parents used to tell me, “money doesn’t just grow on trees, Matthew.” But isn’t there more to it than that? Isn’t there a bigger purpose to holding down a job?

Interestingly, God gave Adam work to do in Genesis 2, well before the mango-eating incident in the garden (chapter 3). Oh, it doesn’t say mango? Sorry I’ve heard apple so many times but never saw it in the scriptures either. I just assumed we could insert our favorite fruit when referencing the story. Ok, anyway, the point is this: work was not a result of the fall. So even though it sometimes feels like a curse to have to get up and at ‘em each weekday (minus such blessed holidays as this), God designed us for work, and purposed that we would find fulfillment in such endeavors.

For one, the role of stewarding a family is a huge responsibility. If it doesn’t seem all that imposing, go read the warning given in 1 Timothy 5:8 for those that fall short. We are called to make a living (2 Thessalonians 3:12) not only so that we can avoid dependence on others, but also so that we might be able to give to those that are in need (Ephesians 4:28). And if we look further, it appears the end purpose of our striving and toiling here on earth is for more than us, or that of our families, or even the bottom line at our place of employment.

Colossians 3:23-24 says that “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.” Truly, this simple perspective can potentially change a lot in how we live our lives. In it we find the encouragement to endure those long days that seem to never end. Focused in this kind of way also helps us to look forward to our workweek because we are gazing outside of ourselves and trusting in something (someOne) greater than our own strength. With this view, we seek opportunities to engage our co-workers with the gospel and in so doing, bring glory to God – not some personal or company bank account.

Honestly, there are times that this feels impossible, yet this is an important mode of worship that we have been called to. So as we head back to the office tomorrow, might the scriptural reminders of why we’re there refresh us. May we find fulfillment in our opportunity to labor for the things that are eternal. Holiday breaks, vacation days, and the like are wonderful. However, they are too few and far between to occupy all of our hope and longing.

As we wrap this up, I’d be remised if I didn’t take this chance to remind us of our greatest motivator: the cross of Christ. For what was accomplished on Calvary’s hill was far more than we could ever earn in a thousand successful lifetimes. Our debt was paid and access to the Father was granted for the elect. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us in Hebrews 1:3, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, because the work He was sent to complete, is finished. We have been forgiven and reconciled to God! The relaxation you experience today might just get you through the remainder of the week, but the satisfaction that comes through knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection, that kind of rest lasts forever. May we celebrate such truth today and carry our deep joy into the workplace tomorrow… Happy Labor Day!!