Submitted by Pastor Richard Boettner, Rock Port Baptist Church

I am writing this week as we begin the month of September and prepare for Labor Day weekend. Historically, Labor Day began in the late 1800s as labor organizations were needed to handle the Industrial Revolution and the resulting large projects and construction undertakings of those days. Various Labor Days were recognized in some states and cities from 1882 to 1894 and a federal holiday was recognized as the first Monday of September with a bill passing Congress and signed June 28, 1894.

For many today it seems to suggest a day to recreate and bring the summer season to a close. For me personally, in former years, I found Labor Day to be a helpful day to catch up on a project at home, or at a rental property I owned for 23 years in Tarkio. From a spiritual perspective we should sense a calling from God to do the work we are doing and receive His provision and guidance to do so. I would encourage you to read Proverbs 6:1-19 and consider some points below:

1) Work can be a trap. The writer of Proverbs is teaching his son life lessons. And I think, for most of us, we learn our basic work skills and values from our parents. The father is wisely and cautiously teaching his son, who may be leaving home, to avoid bad situations. Sometimes we enter into agreements too quickly, under pressure, without prayer and the “great opportunity” becomes unbearable. Perhaps the one I am working for has piled too much work on me, with the enticement of good pay, but I lack the work skills to do a good job. The instruction is to be humble, to apologize, to finish what you can, and be done with it.

2) Work requires diligence. The father tells his son to look at the ant, who works for himself and provides for himself with diligent labor. This scenario will seem like the hard way, but it can the most satisfying and productive. The ant also plans ahead storing up the surplus while it is available, with good plans to save for future needs. This will vary with each person, as we all have different abilities and gifts. The important think is to stay with what is good and what is working for YOU! And stay with the resources you have in place.

3) Work builds character. The text moves into a list of things the Lord God loves and things he hates. In short, He wants honesty and good will as we work with others. He wants us to show concern and cooperation with other workers. My choice of work should not be merely self-satisfaction, but a godly calling where I can do well for others, provide service with strength, and receive a good living wage. Those who work well should also have something to give to others in need, and will earn a good reputation for future work and opportunity. Character will help me avoid the pitfalls of over-working such as poor relationships, health struggles, or overspending and getting trapped in debt. I will experience God’s grace to be content with what I have, while also aiming to learn, to grow, and to do better in the future as well.

Thanks for reading this article and please address any comments or questions to rpbaptistchurch@gmail.com.