Dear Members and Friends of Shepherd of the Hills,
We celebrated labor day yesterday. What did we celebrate? I’m not really sure. However, here is what I do know. I know that work is a gift from God. We are called to be laborers. God in his wisdom created us for work. In the garden of Eden before the fall in to sin, Adam and Eve worked. The curse that comes in chapter three is not a curse of labor, but now labor would be toilsome and difficult. Now in our time God gives us our opportunities, experiences and talents to use in labor for the people around us. We use our labors for our church, our family and our community.
Saint Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to continue to work even as they wait for the Lord’s return. “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
This theology of labor has some day to day implications for us.
1—We don’t worship our work, but give glory to God for the ways that our labors serve others.
2—Our work never earns us favor with God, but instead is an outpouring of love and service to others because we have been loved and served by God through Jesus Christ.
3—We will never be perfect in our labor. Our efforts and energies will never be maximized and utilized to the fullest, so we ask for forgiveness and celebrate our absolution.
4—We never stop trying to serve with our labor despite the reality that we will always fall short.
5—The people God surrounds us with need our labors. Our church, our families and our communities need you and your unique experiences and gifts.
6—Labor is a blessing.
Consider the ways the Lord is currently blessing your labors and celebrate! Consider the ways the Lord is calling you to labor and be open to how your labors bless others. Labor Day is a wonderful reminder for all faithful Christians that labor is a gift and to be used fully. I am honored to labor with you in this life here at Shepherd of the Hills and in our community.
In His Love and Service,
Pastor Rust