Laboring for the Lord

Tomorrow is Labor Day, a holiday that reminds us of the dignity of work and the contributions of workers in every field of life. For many, it’s a day of rest, marking the end of summer and the beginning of a new season. But as Christians, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what Scripture says about labor—not just the work of our hands, but the work of our hearts and lives in service to God.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 9:37–38:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Our world is full of need—spiritual, physical, and emotional. The work of sharing Christ’s love is never finished, and Jesus calls us to be part of that labor. Yet this is not a burdensome task. It is a holy calling, an invitation to sow seeds of kindness, compassion, and truth in a world desperate for hope.

At the same time, John 6:27 reminds us:

“Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life…”

We all know the demands of daily work: paychecks, deadlines, chores, and responsibilities. These are important, but they are not the whole picture. Jesus calls us to a deeper labor—the kind that nourishes the soul and points us toward eternity. When we labor for love, justice, and mercy, we invest in what can never fade.

The Apostle Paul encourages perseverance in 1 Corinthians 15:58:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Even when our work feels unnoticed, exhausting, or unfruitful, God sees it. Every act of service, every word of encouragement, every moment we choose faithfulness over despair—it all matters in the kingdom of God.

And our work isn’t just about ourselves. Paul says in Ephesians 4:28:

“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”

Work provides, but it also allows us to give. Honest labor is not just about earning a living—it’s about living generously. Our labor becomes an expression of love when it blesses others.

That’s why Paul instructs in Colossians 3:23:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Work takes on new meaning when we do it for God. Whether it’s sweeping a floor, teaching a class, caring for children, or advocating for justice, when we do it “unto the Lord,” our daily labor becomes an act of worship.

Paul offers a warning in 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12:

“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat… Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”

Labor is not only a calling but also a responsibility. God designed work as part of the goodness of creation—not as punishment but as purpose. In working, we live out both dignity and discipline.

And finally, Paul reminds Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:18:

“The laborer deserves his wages.”

Here lies an important truth: God values the worker. Just as employers should treat their workers with fairness, we must also remember that God honors every honest effort. No laborer goes unnoticed in His kingdom.

So, this Labor Day weekend, let us rest in gratitude for the work God has given us. Let us labor not only for earthly gain but also for eternal good. Let us find joy in doing all things as unto the Lord, steadfast and immovable, abounding always in His work.

Because in the Lord, our labor is never in vain.