Labor Day
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23
Labor Day gives us a pause from our work to reflect—but do we ever stop to ask why we work? For many, work is just a paycheck. For others, it’s a source of stress or even identity. Some people live for the weekend; others tie their sense of worth to job titles and promotions. But Scripture lifts our eyes above all that. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our work—whether paid or unpaid, at home or in the workplace—is ultimately done “as to the Lord.” That changes everything.
This verse was written to slaves in the Colossian church. Their work was neither glamorous nor appreciated, yet Paul encouraged them to do their tasks “heartily”—from the soul—because they were ultimately serving the Lord Christ. If that was true for them, how much more for us? When we understand our work as service to the Lord, even the most menial job is filled with purpose.
And here is the comfort we need: Our worth is not found in our work, but in Christ’s work for us. Jesus labored under the weight of our sin. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live and gave His life on the cross to redeem us from the curse of sin and death. His resurrection declares our forgiveness, and His finished work gives lasting value to our daily work. Because of Jesus, we don’t need to prove ourselves—we are already loved, accepted, and secure in Him.
This Gospel truth frees us from comparison and striving. Whether your work is big or small in the world’s eyes, the Lord sees and values it. He is not an unjust God who will forget your labor of love (Hebrews 6:10). In Christ, even a cup of cold water given in His name does not go unnoticed.
So whatever your work this week, do it heartily—not for applause, not for identity, but in gratitude to the One who worked your salvation from start to finish.
Lord, grant me joy in my labor and remind me that I serve You in all things. Amen.