“The blessings of honest work”

On Monday, September 6, Americans and Canadians will observe “Labor Day,” a legal holiday set aside to honor labor.  Work is often thought of as drudgery--something that you have to do to make a living.  So we sometimes call work toil, a chore, an obligation, or even a necessary evil.  The New World Dictionary does not agree with that, but holds work up as honorable and positive.  Part of its definition goes as follows:  “work is physical or mental effort exerted to do or make something and be involved in purposeful activity.”

The Bible takes an even higher view of labor.  Labor is actually a gift from God meant to fill our hours and days with meaningful activities that honor God, respect His creation, and provide blessings for others and ourselves.  It was God who put Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15).  This work was given to Adam before the fall into sin and thus was a blessing from God.  It is true that after the fall into sin, work became wearisome toil as the ground was cursed so that sinful human beings would have to earn their daily bread by the sweat of their brows until their dying day (Genesis 3:17b-19).  But, in spite of that curse, labor or work remains a blessing from God.

Dr. Martin Luther (who wrote much on the subject of vocation) believed that vocation was a calling, which encompassed the whole of the life of the believer, and was NOT narrowly defined as a job, trade, or even a religious vocation. Luther believed that the honest work of a janitor, maid or housewife was just as important and pleasing to God as the work of a president, pastor, teacher, doctor, scientist or any other vocation held in high esteem.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (NIV) reads:  “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.  This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?”

St. Paul in writing to the Ephesians and Thessalonians said:  “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.”  (Ephesians 4:28 NIV).  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule:  “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”  (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV).

God’s redeemed people understand that Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God’s family, the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes. Giving money to support the work of the church and other institutions, giving time to help with honest efforts, and using our talents to bring glory to God and blessings to others are all important parts of Christian stewardship.  This truth is summed up beautifully in these words from 2 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV):  “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

This Labor Day and every day give thanks to God for the blessing of work.  Giving thanks for honest labor is something that Christian stewards can remember to do in their daily thoughts and prayers.  So, enjoy whatever you are doing to observe Labor Day, and then continue your daily work with joy and enthusiasm.

Reprinted with permission of Stewardship Ministry of LCMS District and Congregational Services, available at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=1792.  Copyright July 2010.  All rights reserved.

Walls are neutral, they can be helpful or they can be obstacles.  The walls of a church provide a safe reassuring space where the Christian can recover from the “slings and arrows” of the previous week and prepare for the upcoming week of serving the Lord in a world that is not always receptive to the message of salvation through Jesus.  Those same walls can also be obstacles.  The temptation is for the Christian to place the main emphasis of faith life on the worship experience and to forget that his entire life inside or outside the walls is a call to service.  In September, Christ of the Bay members will have the opportunity to participate in a Bible study that will help us look at our service to the Lord.  Our prayer is that all of the members will join one of the groups.

Welcome to fall!  This month we return to two worship services on Sunday morning, Sunday School and catechism.  The new schedule begins on September 12^th with the Rally In The Son-Friendship Sunday Kickoff.  In effect, this is our picnic so plan to attend, invite a neighbor or friend, and have a good time.  A great amount of planning and work has gone into this event and it should be an opportunity for fellowship and perhaps to meet new friends and members of our community.  The following week, we will begin a congregation-wide small groups Bible study focused on missions and ways to do a better job of reaching out.  We have the good news of salvation in our Lord and Savior Jesus and most of us could do a better job of spreading the Word. 

Thanks to all who volunteered or contributed to VBS.  It looked to be a wonder full event filled week and I hope satisfying for everyone involved.  Also, thanks to those who assisted with or attended the ‘Kids Night Out’ sponsored by the local neighborhood associations at Baird School on August 3^rd.  That was another opportunity to meet members of our neighborhood.

Upcoming events include the UWGB Community Fair on September 8^th and the Run/Walk on Saturday September 25^th at our high school.  The Run/Walk is an excellent way to get a little exercise and support our high school at the same time.  Speaking of our schools, keep both Trinity and our high school in your prayers, and recall that both made special appeals for support this past summer.  There is still time and a small donation will be extremely helpful and appreciate.  Fall Cleanup is coming!  Probably in October but there is always something to do on our property. 

I am looking forward to an exciting year.  Stay involved or get involved.  Opportunities abound.  The Lord’s Work is all around.