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Many times when we are thanked for doing a task for someone we care about, we might in response say, "Oh, it was a labor of love".  Meaning, that we did this thing in love which motivated us because we cared so much for the person or the organization for which we did this thing for. 

Could we ever say that the work we do at our paying job is a labor of love?

In Colossians 3: 23 it says; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; KJV. 

The Living Bible says; Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters. 

So often, we get into that trap of complaining about our job.  Maybe it's at the position we hold in our church.  Where there are people, there will be differences of opinions.  What if whatever we did, we did in a spirit of love?  If not for the other person, for our Lord. 

As Labor Day approaches, maybe it's time to adjust our labor attitude.

If we go on the United States Department of Labor website, we find that Labor Day was first celebrated on Tuesday September 5, 1882 in the New York City, according to the plans of the Central Labor Union.

Created by the labor movement, it was a dedication to the social and economic achievements of American workers. 

It is a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  Wow!  I don't think I have ever thought that of my job in those terms. 

Here are a few quotations made by historic figures.  The Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde stated, "The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one". 

Beloved President Franklin D. Roosevelt said this, "True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. 

People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made".  Also Harry Truman declares, "America was not built on fear.  America was built of courage, imagination, and unbeatable determination to do the job at hand". 

And most importantly the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 128 1-2 (Revised Standard) Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!  You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 

As Labor Day approaches, it brings with it the change in seasons.  May we find also a change in our work mindset.  Remember to make a point to continually pray for our nation. 

It doesn't take an army of people to impact a life, it can begin with us right on the job.  Let us be thankful for the positions we hold, and remember those without a place of employment to go to each week! 

The next time you're tempted to step into that complaining mode, take a deep breath and say, "I do this job as unto you Oh Lord".