Those of us in the US are celebrating Labor Day today—a day to rest and reflect on our labors.
Labor—work—is a mixed bag when we think about it. Sometimes it’s something we try to avoid. Sometimes it’s something we throw ourselves into compulsively. Sometimes it feels our efforts at our work are scattershot at best.
Take some time today to reflect on your approach to work and the work you do for the Lord. In what ways are you serving him and his purposes? In what ways are you contributing to God’s bringing of his Kingdom here to earth? What we do—the work of our hands—can be a contribution to the greater work God is bringing about:
“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” –1 Corinthians 15:58 (NRSV)
So as you plan and calendar for this coming fall, stop and consider. Are you having events for the sake of events? Are you being strategic about your work and how you’re investing your efforts? To what degree is your work connected to the core purposes of your ministry? Take time to pray and reflect on your work.
Ward off busyness for the sake of busyness. Invest your efforts strategically. Aim for excellence and what you choose to do. Keep what’s truly important always in the forefront.
What other insights are you gaining as you reflect on the labor God has called you to?