Labor Day

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Labor Day

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr


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Lessons From The Calendar (13)

Today, we resume our theme for 2025, “Lessons from the Calendar”.   The last lesson in this study was an examination of Independence Day – an examination of freedom in Christ.  Today, we consider Labor Day.

[1]Labor Day is a holiday designed to celebrate workers and their accomplishments.  It was first observed in 1882 when workers in New York city took unpaid time off to march from city hall to Union Square.  It was a time when workers were often exploited with long hours and meager pay.  The intent was to draw attention to the needs and rights of workers. Over the next few years, the movement caught on.  In 1894, congress passed an acting making Labor Day a legal holiday on the first Monday in September. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law on June 28, 1894.

The holiday unofficially brings to an end the summer season.  It is observed with parades, picnics, family gatherings, final weekend getaways and other local festivities.

As with each of these lessons, it is not our intent to set aside this Sunday with special observances.  The Bible is silent concerning NT churches observing such days.  However, because it is on the calendar, it is a cause to pause and consider how its purpose relates to what God’s word teaches.  It is with that in mind that I want to address some things the Bible says about work AND rest.

  1. The responsibility to work
    1. The Bible is clear that work has been in God’s plans from the beginning.
      1. Genesis 2:15 – even before the fall of man, God gave Adam a job to tend the garden and keep it.
      2. Genesis 3:17-19, after the fall of Eve and Adam labor was intensified and made more challenging. That was the curse.
    2. But how is work a curse? It was not work itself that was cursed, but the ground which implied greater difficulties as he worked. But consider how you might view work as a curse:
      1. It is never ending and time consuming;
      2. Often we work because we have to and many do not enjoy where they work;
      3. Often there are inequities – as hard workers are sometimes taken advantage of and the unscrupulous gain advantage, etc.
      4. Sometimes our labors are met with failures that make it more difficult and frustrating – which is life.
      5. The preparation – getting up, getting to work (in traffic???), etc.
    3. But even then work was intended to be a blessing. God, in love, made hard work a blessing and rewarding overall.
      1. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 – I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.
      2. Ecclesiastes 5:12 – the sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much… Often the proverbs address work and laziness.
      3. Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 – Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
      4. Proverbs 14:23 – In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty.
      5. Proverbs 12:11 – He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding
    4. In the New Testament, work is commanded –
      1. Ephesians 4:28 – instead of stealing, labor.
      2. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
      3. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. 6 notes to withdrawn from such.
      4. 1 Timothy 5:8 if anyone does not provide for his family…
    5. Work, as unto the Lord –
      1. Colossians 3:23-24 – whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord.
      2. 1 Corinthians 10:31,
      3. Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
    6. There is a place and time for rest.
      1. We all need rest – daily, weekly, occasionally from routine life (vacations, short trips, days off, etc.)
      2. God rested – Genesis 2:1-2; The Sabbath was described as a day of rest – Exodus 20:9-11. NO labor was to be done on that day.
      3. Rest is a description of heaven – Revelation 14:13, Hebrews 4:9-10 – there remains a rest for the people of God.
      4. Often associated with this rest is giving God TIME – in worship and contemplation.
    7. God gives instructions for workers to consider:
      1. Employers – Colossians 4:1 – treat your workers justly and fairly, knowing you have a master in heaven (NOTE: The verse describes how the master was to treat his slaves (and servants). James 5:4 – do NOT cheat your workers.  Pay them what is promised. Ephesians 6:9 – do not threaten.  As an employer, one is expected to maintain godly virtues and principles in everything he does.  As previously noted, whatever you do, let it be as unto the Lord.
      2. Employees – Ephesians 6:5-8 – be faithful and sincere (do your job and do your best), realize that Christ is watching. Do not steal or pilfer (stealing small amounts).  Be content with your wages.   Again, what you are doing is to the Lord.  That must take precedence.
  2. Our spiritual “job”
    1. When we think of labor, we must not forget that as Christians we are expected to be working for our Lord.
    2. Jesus, our example – John 5:17 – Jesus came to work. John 9:4 – I must work the works of Him. As you examine His life, you can see how busy He was.
    3. John 4:35-38 – the harvest is now. Jesus told His disciples there is work to be done reaching others right now!  Numerous parables about laborers – fishermen working, farmers harvesting crops, working when hired throughout the day, etc.
    4. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 – We plant and water, God gives the increase. “We are God’s fellow workers.”
    5. 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor not in vain in the Lord. Titus 2:14 – we are to be a people zealous for good works.
    6. Hebrews 6:10 – For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
    7. With proper perspective, much of what we do with our daily work has bringing glory to God in mind – supporting the work of the church, if you have some left helping the needy, the parable of the talents, etc. Ultimately, God takes notice.  Matthew 25:31-46 – note vs. 40 – when you helped others, you did it to the Lord.  There is also accountability when we refuse to help others.
    8. Let us pause and be thankful for our work and the blessings we enjoy. We are so much more privileged in this country than most of the world. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
    9. Let us apply some of the principles we have addressed in our jobs to our spiritual endeavors.

Ironically, “Labor Day” is a day when most PAUSE and rest. And that is a good thing. But, as we have seen, labor is very much a Biblical topic.  And our attitude will determine how we view our labors, both physically and spiritually.  And it will have a bearing on the quality of our life.  So even as you pause and rest for the day – 1) Give thanks and contemplate & 2) Get back to work!  Is your labor in the Lord?  Think about it!

[1] History.com Editors. “Labor Day 2025.” History.Com, 11 Aug. 2025, www.history.com/articles/labor-day. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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