St. Paul tells us in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, “In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy, but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge, in the Lord Jesus Christ, to work quietly and eat their own food.” He was referring to those who were in need, that even in this instance “work” keeps one focused properly, even if that work is not formal. As the old saying goes, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
The work ethic which is a necessary part of our society and culture must be passed on to future generations. To earn a living by the sweat of our brow is productive for our human body and spirit. As God “worked” to create the universe, (and rested on the 7th day), so too, ought we work diligently and for the edification of ourselves, our families, and society as a whole.
This Labor Day weekend reminds us of the importance of good, hard work. But, it also reminds us of the need for a proper and just wage, as well as, a job that can sustain us and our families. The need for sustaining benefits, as well as worker’s safety, all play a part in making work valuable, but also, just and fair.
May we always keep the biblical precept of good work ethic at the heart of all we do. When we keep busy (with proper amounts of rest and recreation included), we actually stay out of trouble. May this day be a joyous reminder that good, proud, hard work makes for a good, proud and tempered society. Happy Labor Day!