September 5, 2005

• Labor Day

  
  

  In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans looked upon manual work as a curse, something for lower classes and slaves. But Christianity changed all of that. Christians viewed work as a high calling—a calling to be co-workers with God in unfolding the rich potential of His creation.

  
  

  This high view of work can be traced throughout the history of the Church. In the Middle Ages, the guild movement grew out of the Church. It set standards for good workmanship and encouraged members to take satisfaction in the results of their labor. The guilds became the forerunner of the modern labor movement.

  
  

  Later, during the Reformation, Martin Luther preached that all work should be done to the glory of God. Whether ministering the Gospel or scrubbing floors, any honest work is pleasing to the Lord. Out of this conviction grew the Protestant work ethic.

  
  

  I truly believe that work should be a blessing.  Several years ago I worked at a Federal Prison.  When I started there I determined in my heart that I was never going to dread going to work. (As I had when I was in the Navy.)  There were days I wanted to curse the place and curse my work but I didn’t.  I meet too many people that thoroughly hate their work.  As a Christian we should never hate our work.  It’s where God wants us or it’s the route to get us where he wants us.  Be blessed this Labor Day.

  • 7:59 am
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