Working

Labor Day is a national holiday in which we celebrate the blessing of good honest work. The Bible says,
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

I like what Snow White and the 7 dwarfs sang about their work:
 

Just whistle while you work
And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place
So hum a merry tune
It won't take long when there's a song to help you set the pace


And as you sweep the room
Imagine that the broom
Is someone that you love
And soon you'll find you're dancing to the tune


When hearts are high the time will fly
So whistle while you work


So whistle while you work

I’ve known people who no sooner do they start a job they begin to complain about it. There’s always a problem at work with folks like this. The boss doesn’t listen. The people I work with are clueless. The pay is terrible. I think it is impossible to complain about a job and whistle at the same time. We need more whistling at work these days.
 
I heard about a mother who walked into her teenage son’s makeshift weight room and watched him work out on the bench press. After seeing him move through several heavy repetitions, she asked, “Why is it you can lift nearly two hundred pounds, but you can’t pick up your socks?”
 
It is amazing how often we miss the small things in our work. Our culture rewards the starting players with extravagance. The CEO gets the bonuses at the end of the year. Privilege goes to those at the top of the cooperate food chain, but God sees you and knows what you do. God is the one who is impressed by your quiet faithfulness. He sees your honesty. God is impressed by the joy you have inside when you do your everyday work and do it well. Listen again to what God says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord…”
 
Enjoy your Labor Day Holiday. You deserve it.