Note Jesus’ words from The Gospel According to Luke.
16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21, NASB).
Tomorrow is the United States’ Labor Day holiday. For many it’s a day of rest. It signals the end of summer as most schools have started back, though some people use this long weekend for one last outing or cookout.
As followers of Christ, Labor Day can be utilized as a day of reflection. It can be used as a time of personal evaluation about our current work or plans for future work.
Our work matters to God. He has gifted us with particular gifts and abilities. Our pursuits while on this earth can be fruitful for the Lord or they can be used to mainly pursue our own self-interests.
Take a few moments this Labor Day to reflect on a passage penned by the Apostle Paul about a future appointment all believers in Christ will someday experience.
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:10-15, NASB).
Obedient followers of Jesus desire to please the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us and desires us to lead important lives for the glory of God. Jesus doesn’t leave us clueless. He provides insights on the priorities we should pursue as His disciples in Matthew 6:33—
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Pastor Cecil Price
September 5, 2021