I used to think that Labor Day was a holiday created to celebrate how hard people work. I liked that idea, being someone who identified strongly with the working class. Most times we had just enough to pay the bills. Maybe even get some ice cream. Not exactly the American Dream. But we kept working because we believed in the value of work and the hope for our future.
The American Dream is an interesting concept: the idea being that we can all achieve what we want to achieve if we work hard, stay focused, et cetera, et cetera. But it is also a perfect concept to learn about being obedient to God.
Some people dream of being teachers, some dream of being veterinarians, some dream of being playwrights. Some people achieve their dreams. Some people’s dreams are thwarted by others: they become deferred or derailed. And some people pursue dreams that are wrong to begin with. God corrects all of this in His own timing and in His own way (Jonah 3:1-2; Proverbs 16:9; Isaiah 43:19).
I have found that the best thing I can do is to learn to trust and obey God, wait for His timing, and stay in my own lane, because I cannot teach kids, treat animals, and write the next great American play all by myself. We need each other (1 Corinthians 12:12-28; Galatians 6:1-5). And there is plenty of work to go around.
So much, in fact, even in my own life, that sometimes it feels like I work and work and don’t accomplish a thing. But then again, there are times when I hardly do anything at all but feel like I’ve accomplished the most important things. I believe in the value of work.
Every day, someone in America unlocks a gate and opens a door, someone stocks shelves, someone picks up trash. Someone protects, someone drives, someone teaches. And other people do other kinds of work as well. And they do it because that’s what workers do, and it keeps America…working.
Strengthen your walk with God, others, and yourself. See how the Bible connects trusting God, working, and giving.
- 1 Timothy 5:18
- Luke 22:35
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8
- Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
- Psalm 104:23, 27
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-15
- 2 Timothy 2:15