Work is not only a positive and creative activity it is also an antidote to destructive behavior and activity.  More crime is conceived in an atmosphere of idleness than in the work arena.  The Apostle Paul recognized the benefit of work when he wrote: “Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good. . .” (Ephesians 4:28).

Unlike many European nations which observe May Day as an international labor day, both the United States and Canada honor labor on the first Monday of September.  Ironically, whether the celebration be for May Day or Labor Day, both holidays are celebrated by ceasing from the very activity, i.e., work, for which the holiday is named.

For most, Labor Day is celebrated by playing or resting rather than by working.  In a way, we have forgotten how honorable work or labor is.  Many would like to hit some kind of a jackpot in hopes of being able to quit working.  Work or labor is considered, for the most part, a necessary evil.  Returning to the work force on Monday mornings has caused Monday to be one of the least loved days of the week.  Even the rush hour traffic on Monday mornings is slower.  No one is in a hurry to get back to work.  There may be a T.G.I.F. (Thank God It’s Friday) Day; be assured there will never be a T.G.I.M. (Thank God It’s Monday) Day!

In our leisure-loving world, we have lost sight of the fact that work, no matter how menial it may appear or how risky it may be, is honorable.  One of the problems facing Great Britain is that of enticing workers off the national dole to job openings, which neither pay well nor appear glamorous.  In the US, workfare has faced an uphill battle.  However, those of us who are fortunate and blessed enough to escape the need for the safety net of either welfare or the national dole must guard against a “holier than thou” attitude and exhibit compassion for the plight of those who are unable to work for one reason or another.

Work is not only a positive and creative activity it is also an antidote to destructive behavior and activity.  More crime is conceived in an atmosphere of idleness than in the work arena.  The Apostle Paul recognized the benefit of work when he wrote: “Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good. . .” (Ephesians 4:28).

It must not be forgotten that work came before the fall, not after it. “. . . by the sweat of your brow. . .” came after sin entered the picture. Had there been no sin and no fall from grace, we would still be working today.  After running up and down a terrace mowing my lawn and pulling weeds with perspiration flowing from my brow into my eyes and over my cheeks, I relish the thought of work as it was before the fall!

The Apostle Paul goes one step further and recommends work not only as an antidote to a life of crime, he also raises it above a self-centered activity to one of compassion towards others, “. . . performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28). What a different world this would be if all of us who work incorporated the purpose of sharing with those in need.  In fact, we could organize and form a corporation called “For Others, Incorporated.”  Those who prefer to continue working only to advance their own interests could also organize themselves into a firm called, “For Self Only, Limited.”  “For Others, Inc.” is, of course, preferred for the company of believers.

Work is not only honorable, but it also affords an opportunity to be compassionate.  Let us, as Christians, seek to raise work to its highest level as a constructive, creative activity, and a compassionate outlet.  As we begin each new workday, may our morning horizon be that of the Psalmist:

Let thy work appear to thy servants,
And thy majesty to their children.
And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;
And do confirm for us the work of our hands;
Yes, confirm the work of our hands. (Psalm 90: 16, 17)  

Helen Louise Herndon is a member of Central Presbyterian Church (EPC) in St. Louis, Missouri. She is freelance writer and served as a missionary to the Arab/Muslim world in France and North Africa.