by Labor Day is one day in the year set aside to celebrate the value of our hard work. For many it represents the wealth they acquired over the year on the backs of blue-collar workers, while for these workers it represents the sense of satisfaction and accomplishments in their God-given abilities. As far as the Bible is concerned in this, blue-collar workers have it right. All of us, though, are just glad to have some time off as we transition from summer into our fall routines.
Before sin entered the world, work was a part of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). This was a reflection of God’s work ethic. He was diligent in His work in creation, and then He created man in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Yes, this image was His Trinity. We were created with a body, soul and spirit in relation to the Father, Son and Spirit. However, His image goes deeper then tripartite in that we were created with His same work ethic as well. This is one reason hard workers get that deep sense of satisfaction that penetrates their tripartite — body, soul, spirit.
At creation God gave man a job, a job that existed before sin entered the world. Thus, work was never a negative thing. We were created in the image of God to be little creators, to work and maintain His creation. We see the results today in technology, medicine, etc., all as a gift from God based on His work ethic given to us at creation.
Work reflects the character of God, and He is still working today. Jesus said in John 5:17, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” With this phrase alone, man is without excuse who refuses to work with his capable hands. Many have mistaken work to be a part of the curse, and that life is to be nothing but leisure. Consequently, many have come to idealize Heaven as an eternal vacation nil of any work. This is not Biblical.
Like work, though, rest also reflects the character God. After God worked in creating this world, what did He do in Genesis 2:1-3? God’s rest was a pattern for us (Exodus 20:11). God set aside one day for rest — a day of remembrance and reflection of our hard work. For us, this is what Labor Day is to be.
