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.
