“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker” (from the U.S. Department of Labor website).

In 1894 the first Monday in September became a federal holiday.

One of my favorite books is “God at Work” by Gene Edward Veith Jr. It deals with your Christian vocation in all of your life. In one chapter he deals with your calling as a worker—your vocation. (I believe it is said that Martin Luther may have thought vocation to be the fourth pillar of the Reformation). For the upcoming Labor Day I’d like to quote from Veith’s book.

“As we have said, God calls people to different kinds of labor as part of His governance of the world. God Himself is operative in human labor, through His providential power. Though human beings tend to be oblivious to the spiritual significance of the ordinary things they do, and though their work is tainted by sin, the Christian, walking by faith and resting in Christ, can live and work as a channel for the gifts of God. God does not treat our works or our vocation as meriting His favor; rather, our relationship with Him is solely based on His free grace and forgiveness through the work of Christ. Good works, which are primarily done within vocation, are the fruits of faith. Good works are done not for God but for the neighbor. The whole purpose of every vocation is to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 22:39).

While looking at your work this coming Labor Day, think of how it is your vocation and how you serve your neighbor through what you do. Pick up a copy of Veith’s book or read Martin Luther’s on the vocations of the Christian. It will encourage you!

Patti