Thanks
to the Workers
By Lexi Ellis
For
just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,
though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
1
Corinthians 12:12 (ESV)
Labor
Day…that national holiday that’s the official “last weekday before school
starts” or the final “summer super-sale” at retail stores. As a child, I often
confused Memorial Day with Labor Day, though they are quite different. The
former honors those who have served and protected our country; the latter
celebrates the industrial and economic achievements of our country.
According to the Department of Labor, Labor Day “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.” [1]
The reality is, we need to celebrate both the honoring of the
protectors and the achievements of the workers. Both - - in different ways and
degrees of sacrifice - - contribute to the vitality and health of our nation.
For followers of God and “citizens” in His Kingdom, we’re called
to celebrate both, as well. There is a time to honor those who are Protectors
of the Faith, who have dedicated their lives and made sacrifices for the name
of Christ. And there’s also a time to celebrate the “labor movement” in the
Body of Christ.
The book of Acts chronicles the workers of the gospel - - ordinary
men and women who allowed God to use them. The result? Incredible things happen
with many coming to Christ rapidly. Letters to specific churches recorded in
Scripture also show people, though not perfect, receiving godly wisdom and
counsel to get to work!
The labor movement for the gospel continues today. We are called
to continue being disciplemakers in many different ways.
This Labor Day, thanks to the workers who all contribute to the
expansion of God’s Kingdom. Thank you:
- Sunday School teachers,
- small group leaders,
- worship teams,
- community volunteers,
- parents actively working to be the faith-trainers in their children’s lives,
- people who “set the stage” for effective ministry,
- prayer warriors,
- friends who allow God to use them in others’ lives,
- pastors,
- advocates of social justice, in Christ’s name.
Thanks to those who ask the Holy Spirit to lead in their lives so
we can proclaim the gospel. Let’s use this Labor Day not just as a last weekday
before school starts, or another super-sale, but as a reminder to continue
being active workers for the Good News…and thankful to those who do it along
with us.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you currently being a worker of the gospel?
2. Is there a fellow worker of the gospel you can thank today?
FURTHER READING:
Lexi is married to
Andrew, serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country
Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.
