The Dearest Labor

September 1st, 2025

SCRIPTURE: "Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” John 4:35-38

Labor Day began as a federal holiday in June, 1894 although Oregon first celebrated it in 1887 followed by 29 other states. Historically celebrated the first Monday in September, it allowed us a remembrance and valuing of work and workers, and of industry within the greater community.

Taken rightly, labor, much like that which bears fruit as a newborn baby, is to be celebrated. Taken rightly, truest labor is unto God. "Whatever you do, do so heartily as unto God, and not unto men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23, 24). While striving we don't do so on our own, nor strictly for ourselves, even as striving may bring a pinch. So with joy we take on the adventure upon belief Sunday to Sunday building the kingdom of God by faith, holding forth the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Enjoy this special day, but daily consider that dearest labor, which offers salvation, a historically remarkable labor bringing eternal life to those who believe. The dearest labor born of love is sacred, started from above. To know God growing us through grace, prescribes the perfect labor, faith.

PRAYER: Heavenly and eternal Father please find this heart grateful for Your faithfulness, prompting faith in action, having the gospel as mission. Establish, I pray, the works of these hands, to Your glory Lord. You being 'God with us' is labor ... Your earthly ministry for our sake is labor ... Your gifting upon the cross at Calvary is labor. Thank You Jesus!
Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

3 Comments

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Debora B - September 2nd, 2025 at 9:39am

Amen??Thank You Lord for Your labor of love for us, and for the price that You paid at Calvary, so that those who believe would be cleansed from sin, have a relationship with You, and have everlasting life. May we put our faith in action, and share the gospel with the lost. Amen??

Denise Diggs - September 2nd, 2025 at 1:09pm

Amen, Bro. Brockington, bless the Lord for Jesus’ completed work of redemption! He paid it ALL; ALL to Him we owe!

Novella Carpenter - September 5th, 2025 at 9:24pm

Amen! Such a timely Word of truth.