Lessons of Labor Day 2025

8/31/2025

Psalm 90:17 

“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful.” 

Tomorrow we celebrate Labor Day, always on the first Monday in September. It was established to honor the achievements of American workers and their contributions to the nation's economic growth and well-being and is closely linked to trade union efforts to improve working conditions and recognize workers’ rights.

The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882. After the violent Pullman Strike of 1894, which saw significant labor unrest and loss of life, President Grover Cleveland made reconciliation with labor a priority. He signed legislation making Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. Many countries celebrate a similar holiday called International Workers’ Day (May Day) on May 1.

Although Labor Day is seen as a secular holiday, it holds deep spiritual significance. It is a day to reflect on and honor Biblical principles that have meaning to our everyday lives. These principles not only apply to our labors, but to all our works, the actions and deeds that reflect our faith and obedience to God.

The first is, of course, hard work. The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:23-24, tells us, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”  This verse stresses that our true master is Christ, and the ultimate reward for our work comes from God, not human recognition or reward.

Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”  The proverb teaches that in every form of honest work, there is some form of profit gained, whether it is material, personal growth, or satisfaction. Idle talk—merely discussing intentions without doing anything—results in nothing productive and can even lead to loss or poverty.

Scripture teaches that all work, when done for the glory of God, has inherent dignity and value. This perspective is rooted in the belief that humans are co-creators with God, participating in His work of maintaining and cultivating the world. Work is a way to bear God’s image, as God Himself is portrayed as a worker throughout the Bible. Whether it is creating, sustaining, or redeeming, God’s work is ongoing, and humans are invited to join in this divine activity.

Labor Day also reveals the lesson of rest and renewal. We can use the day to rest, not just physically, but spiritually. We can engage in activities that rejuvenate our soul, such as prayer, meditation, or spending time in nature and with family. Rest is essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Genesis 2:2 tells us: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” This is a lesson we all can use.

Another lesson from Labor Day is integrity. Integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness are important qualities in any profession. We should strive to conduct ourselves with integrity in all the work that we do. Proverbs 10:9: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Honesty in our labor reflects of our character and our commitment to truth. Proverbs 16:11 says: “Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.”  God is the ultimate standard of justice and fairness. This verse uses the imagery of honest weights and balances, which were essential in trade and commerce, to symbolize God’s righteous and impartial judgment in all matters, including business and interpersonal dealings. Fairness and integrity belong to the Lord, and true justice is from God, not human invention. Scripture calls us to conduct our business and life dealings with integrity, honesty, and fairness, knowing that God oversees all actions and motives, even those hidden from human eyes. Justice is not merely a human or governmental responsibility but fundamentally rooted in God’s character and will.

Another lesson from the Labor Day playbook is diligence. Diligence means putting forth our best effort and being persistent in our work. It is about working smart, not just working hard. We are taught in Proverbs 12:24: “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” This verse encourages a strong work ethic and warns against laziness, teaching that responsible effort brings promotion, leadership, and stability. It reminds us that leadership and authority are often the outcomes of disciplined persistent work rather than just desire or talk.

My Mom and Dad used to say, “If there is anything worth doing, it is worth doing well.”  (Ok, it could have been the Earl of Chesterfield Phillip Stanhope in 1746).  The Bible concurs. God calls us to give our best in everything we do, as a way of honoring Him and serving others. Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Through our labor, we do not need to be disheartened or worn down. It can also be a creative outlet. Our creativity is a reflection of God’s own creativity. As God’s image-bearers, we are able to create and innovate in our work, through a variety of talents and skills. Exodus 35:31-32: “He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze.”  1 Peter 4:10 – “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” Creativity in the Bible is viewed as a divine gift and a reflection of God's character, to be used for worship, service, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. It invites us to embrace our creative potential as part of reflecting God’s glory in the world.

The last lesson I will mention today that we learn from Labor Day is that of persistence. The Bible encourages us to persevere in our work, even when facing challenges or setbacks. Perseverance builds character and is often rewarded in due time. James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." 

Perseverance develops character and leads to eventual reward. In Galatians 6:9 we are told: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This verse uses the metaphor of sowing and reaping to illustrate that faithful, consistent good works will produce positive, lasting results, even if those results are not immediately visible. We are urged to keep doing what is right and good, and maintain enthusiasm and faithfulness, even if those results are not immediately apparent.

The Biblical principles – good hard work, rest, integrity, honesty, diligence, excellence, creativity, and perseverance – are not just reserved for Labor Day but are applicable every day in our works, whether in the workplace or in our personal endeavors. By embracing these qualities, we can bring honor to our labor, serve others, and glorify God through our works. 

I pray that we recognize that Labor Day resonates with the spiritual values written on our hearts and the lessons taught by Christ. It is my prayer that tomorrow we will celebrate the God-given dignity of work and the importance of fair treatment for all workers, and all children of God, aligning with biblical principles. Remember the exhortation of Deuteronomy 6:18, which promises well-being for those who follow this command, “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight.”