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By Dean Kelly

Monday, Sept. 2, will be Labor Day 2024. I will leave the history of Labor Day for others to discuss. For me, personally, it is a day to honor all of those who have worked so hard at their various jobs to keep America going. 

My wife and I drove by some road workers the other day. The temperature was hovering around 100 degrees and felt much hotter. We commented that on top of the sweltering heat, road workers put themselves in harm’s way every day. 

Labor Day, to me, represents their hard work, but also the hard work of every person who is dedicated to doing their jobs, “white-collar” or “blue-collar,” all working together to keep America moving forward.

The Bible has many references to the concept of labor.

Physical Labor: Paul, who was a tentmaker as well as preacher, said, “And we labor, working with our hands” (1 Corinthians 4:12). He often supported his work of preaching by making tents. In 2 Thessalonians 3:8 he said, “but worked with labor and toil night and day.” We are to labor working with our hands the things that are good (Ephesians 4:28).

Labor in the Gospel: Paul repeatedly referred to his labor in preaching the message of God, the Gospel message. In passages like Philippians 1:22, 1 Corinthians 3:8, and 1 Timothy 4:1, among others, he made it clear that he is willing to labor to take the truth to others.

Labor of Life” In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” He recognized the labors of life, and He offered the laborer hope and comfort.  

Labor of Love: In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, and Hebrews 6:10 Christians are commended for their labor of love in serving God. That labor is remembered, honored, and rewarded by God. Of course, the ultimate labor of love was found in Jesus and His journey to the cross in order to save those who will come to Him in obedient faith.

Happy Labor Day to all.

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.