The Value
One of my favorite commercials from time past was that one for Smith Barney where the old British fellow retorts, “They make money the old fashioned way; they earn it.” That commercial resonated with me and so many others because it highlighted that old Yankee work ethic of putting in an honest days work for what you earn. This seems especially true here in Georgia with its small towns and businesses.
Scripture places a high value on those who are diligent and hard working. For example, Solomon in Proverbs 6:6-11 commands the lazy person to observe the diligence of the ant at work and to see how it is rewarded for its labor. Paul commands us in Colossians 3:23 to in “whatever you do, do your work heartily, as unto the Lord rather than for me.”
Contrary to popular opinion, work was not a part the curse put on man as a result of Adam’s sin. God had already given Adam work to do int the garden before he sinned. God created man to work. He gave him creativity and the ability to set and achieve goals. He gave him the inner self-discipline to voluntarily stick to a task until it was done. We realize our greatest contentment only when we are gainfully employed, achieving something of value for ourselves or others. That is how God made us.
Labor Day is upon us. It will be a time for speeches and parades celebrating the achievements of the labor movement in our country. They should be extolled. They have helped improve working conditions for all of us. It also, though, should be a day to honor those who work hard every day in various jobs throughout our nation, no matter who they are or what they o for work. They may or may not be members of a labor or trade union. Some may even be in management positions. They may be male of female, of different races or ethnic backgrounds. Whoever they may be, let us salute them and encourage them for they are the backbone of our land. By their combined efforts we continue to be free.
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