Message summary: Daily work done in obedience to God's command takes on eternal value while it also builds character and provides a good role model for others to follow. Now that is valuable multi-tasking!

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“Six days you shall labor and do all your work” (Exodus 20:9). “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people” (Colossians 3:23).

It's been three weeks since I had surgery and I am slowly recovering and regaining my strength. The last several years we have slowed down a bit in regard to our chaplaincy work but still serve several local companies and I miss getting out. To use a rather hackneys phrase, "I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired." But it really does describe how I feel!

Today is "Labor Day" here in the US and a good time to remind our readers of the blessing of labor, something so many forget.

Careful students will recognize today’s first verse either by the reference or the mention of “work” as one of the Ten Commandments. However we normally associate this commandment (the fourth) as a prohibition regarding work on the Sabbath.

But today let us consider the positive element in this commandment which is found in the phrase, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work”. From the very beginning God has ordained work in some form as Adam and Eve were called to subdue and rule. Do you see your work as a blessing or a curse?

Sadly, a common attitude among many in the work force is to view labor as a curse. Mondays are dreaded by many and a popular phrase for the end of the week is “TGIF” (Thank God It’s Friday) which typically is not a reverent expression of gratitude to God, who made every day for us to rejoice.

What should our attitude be toward work?  God wants us to view work as a blessing and respond accordingly. We are to live in His presence and glorify Him at all times, including our time at work.

The apostle Paul expresses this perspective in Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.”

David C. McCasland writes,

Today we urge you to have an earnest thankfulness for your job and a recognition of this provision that comes indirectly from God. Daily work done for God takes on eternal value while it also builds character and provides a good role model for others to follow.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13