Integrating Faith at Work  

| Genesis 2:4-5 |

After today the summer and vacations are officially over. Let’s spend this “Labor Day week” thinking about how we can integrate our faith at school and work.  

Labor Day is set aside to celebrate the American worker. According to the United States Department of Labor, this first Monday in September is a “yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” However, long before Matthew Maguire or Peter McGuire (Labor Day’s creator is debated) founded Labor Day, work has been honored by God. Before sin entered the world in Genesis 3, work was already established as a God-given privilege.

Genesis 2:4-5

 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens. Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground . . .

Man was made to honor the Creator by taking care of his creation. Man tilled the ground, grew crops, pruned trees and hunted wild game not as a punishment but as a gracious provision. God provided man the opportunity to care for himself and provide for his family. Work is a gift from God.  

Christians don’t work to make a living; we work to honor God. All we do should be done in a way that brings glory to him. Whether we are at a desk or in a field; whether we are studying at school or selling software; whether we are climbing an electrical pole or climbing the corporate ladder - work is a gift from God that is purposed to bring honor to him. Now, here’s the question: Are you honoring God at work?

Father, thank you for this day we set aside in our country to honor the work force. Help us, as believers, to honor you each day with the vocation you have given us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless!