Whatsoever Ye Do

In the United States, we have so much to be thankful for. Opportunities abound because the achievements of American workers have made our country a strong and prosperous place to live. Labor Day is a celebrated tradition that dates back 134 years to honor our industrious citizens.

As believers in Christ, we have extra motivation to work hard. Colossians 3:23 says, “and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” God wants us to be intentional; our every action should be for the purpose of pleasing Him.

So often we are tempted to please those around us because we receive immediate praise instead of relishing the knowledge that God is pleased with us because we’ve done our best for Him. Praise makes us feel accomplished and encourages us; it feels good. But when praise becomes our motivation rather than bringing God glory, we’ve shifted our eyes off of Christ and onto ourselves. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).

Our various professions, no matter if we are missionaries, executives, or plumbers, can be used as ministry to those around us. “…Let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28). God is pleased when we serve others and tell them about Him.

Additionally, anything we do, whether work or play, if we do it without the Lord’s direction, it is useless. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” When we follow God’s leading, there is eternal significance to our actions.

As we do our best for the glory of the Lord by following His direction, we can rest in the knowledge that our labor isn’t in vain. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).

“Whatsoever ye do,” our great country gives us a special day each year to take a break from work and recognize the blessings American workers have been to us. Let’s spend time this Labor Day being grateful to God for the opportunity to live and work here.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff