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Labor Day is fast approaching, and many of us will spend it enjoying end-of-summer cookouts, days at the lake, or seasonal sales at the stores. But that's not really how
Labor Day started, of course. This holiday is about the achievements of the American workforce and labor movement.
We have always been proud of our American work ethic — and a good work ethic is certainly commendable. There is dignity and purpose in honest labor. But we do sometimes tend to go a little far in our obsession with productivity.
That's why we needed a labor movement in the first place — because of the danger and exploitation workers faced in their jobs.
Thank God for good companies and good employers. They certainly do exist, and we should give thanks that they fulfill their vocation honorably and fairly. Meanwhile, many companies around the nation are sliding back into practices that demand more and more from workers while giving less and less in return. Many people go to work and feel like they're being drained.
Outside of work, this naturally leads many folks to fiercely guard their free time, financial resources, and energy — because they all seem far too scarce. So we live in this framework where, either way, the focus is on ourselves — either relentless labor or desperate downtime. Every activity and investment gets measured by “what works for me” or “what I get out of it.” The choices we make become selfish, even if inadvertently.
Jesus calls us to see and engage with the world differently: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16). The good news of Jesus calls us to self-denial and love of God and neighbor.
The life that comes from following Jesus is about so much more than frantic activity or lists of accomplishments. It's about connec tion with God and with others.
True life is found in the freedom Christ gives—freedom to look beyond ourselves into the world God loves. Freedom to live in love and service, and to receive the love and care of others. Freedom to get involved, to get passionate about things that seem important.
When you find yourself asking, “What works for me?” and “What do I get out of it?” stop and think about how God might respond.
What you get out of Christian faith is life— full and abundant life in the presence of God, both now and forever.
What you get out of Christian discipleship is overflowing love—the love of your brothers and sisters poured out for you; the opportunity to love and serve the world around you; and the love of God that enlivens and empowers it all.
The self-denying labor of every Christian is to live in that love. And those who lose their life for the sake of Christ will find true life (Matthew 16).
