Christian Writers Circle

Freedom to Labor and Rest
by Brenda D. Flowers

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Col. 3:23-24, NKJV)

On the first Monday in September, Americans celebrate a national holiday, Labor Day. It is a day originally set aside to correct injustices in the work places and to honor workers and their achievements, giving workers a day to rest and spend time with their families. Many Americans, especially young ones, may not realize why this holiday was instituted. 

To explain the history of Labor Day, I recommend watching this short engaging YouTube video, “Labor Day”, with the children in your lives. (See PBS Learning Media/Labor Day/PBS.Kids -You Tube.) I found this lively video by searching the question, “How Do I Explain Labor Day to My Child?” 

As Christian parents, grandparents, and teachers, it is good to help the next generation to know history based upon truth. I try to consider the sources and then check the stated “facts” with other sources, comparing facts provided from research of primary sources and from a sound Biblical world view. 

Ask the Lord to help you know truth regarding your country’s history and biblical history. 

In an on-line article, updated a year ago, entitled “ Labor Day 2021” (www.history.com),  the author described the suffering of many Americans in the late 1800’s, “People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.” Many people protested their harsh working conditions. This was one reason Labor Day was established.

When I was a child, I thought of Labor Day as a day to get ready for school. My school in Cincinnati, Ohio, began the day after Labor Day. Sometimes my family did something fun together, but I don’t remember ever discussing why we had this holiday. It was the end of summer fun to me. 

Dr. Benjamin P. Dean, Ph.D. wrote an interesting article entitled, “Labor Day: A Christian Perspective” (www.ciu.edu). His summary statement is worth remembering and sharing, “Celebrating Labor Day invites us to remember that it is God who makes possible the creative and productive work we do in all fields of human endeavor. We can respect the sacredness of God’s own work of creation as well as the value and dignity God has infused within all labor for His glory and the building of His Kingdom.” 

This Labor Day, I want to meditate on how Jesus paid the price to right the injustices of the world. He knows our sufferings and intercedes for us. We have been given freedom in His Life. 

We can find our true rest in Him. 

I am thankful that God is helping me to see it is He who instituted the pattern of work and rest. When He created man (and woman) in His image, God gave us value and purpose. He gives us creative and important work to bring His Kingdom to earth and joy knowing He gives us the power to do it, by His indwelling Spirit. 

God has provided the Way to freedom as we enter into purposeful work and rest. May we honor Him by working out of His rest, giving Him the glory in all that we do.

ABBA, I pray that we will wake up to the injustices that are still present in our fallen world. May we live our lives in ways, each unique, that please You, following Jesus and being a part of His Story. 

You teach us how to balance work, rest and play. May we show others the patterns You instituted that bring fullness of life and joy. In Your Son’s name, Jesus, we pray. Amen