Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life God has given him, because that is his reward. God has also given riches and wealth to every man, and He has allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.    Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 HCSB

Today we celebrate Labor Day. It is celebrated the first Monday of each September and we observe it in celebration of the American work force. It was first celebrated in the late 19th Century to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

Our Scripture passage for today comes from Ecclesiastes. This book was written by Solomon. Solomon was David’s son and successor as king. When he became king, God asked him what he wanted and told Solomon he could ask for anything. Solomon asked for wisdom. God was so pleased that he asked for wisdom that He also gave him great wealth and honor with the condition that Solomon walk in God’s way and be obedient to Him. You can read all about this in 1 Kings 3.

In today’s Scripture passage Solomon reminds us that whether we have great riches or poverty we can experience problems. He also reminds us that the work we are given to do is a gift from God. He warns his readers against the love of money and the delusion that great wealth can bring happiness.

Instead, we should enjoy where God has placed us and do our best in that position. I felt a very strong calling to go into the job I had for 22 years. And for a while I did all I could to get into another higher-paying job. When I finally realized, I was not going to get the other job, I realized that I was right where God wanted me to be. He had work for me to do there.

God puts us where we are for a reason. He has a job for us to do. And whatever we do, we should work as if we are working for the Lord. We are told in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.” Paul goes on to say in verse 25, “For the wrong doer will be repaid for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.”

Today’s economy can be a bit scary. If you have a job, thank God for it. And whatever that job may be work at it as if you are trying to please God. If you please God, you will also please those you work for. Trust in Him and do your best to witness to those around you. Even if you are not in a Christian environment, you can witness by allowing people to see the fruit of the Spirit in you.

Today, I hope you are enjoying celebrating Labor Day. If you are still in the work force, I hope you have a job that you love. When Solomon said in verse 20, “For he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart,” it’s very similar to one of my favorite phrases, “If we love what we do, we never work a day in our lives.”

Above all love the Lord. Trust in Him and He will take good care of you. If you need to work and He has provided you with a job, be thankful. And even if you are not crazy about the job love Him, focus on Him, and serve Him where you are and you will find it to be a lot more enjoyable. Then you will truly enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Have a great day!