Casandra Martin

Labor Day is an interesting holiday. We all love taking this Monday off of work to celebrate one more summer weekend before the fall moves us towards the end of the year.

According to the United States Department of Labor, Labor Day was first celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882. It became a national legal holiday in 1894 as the idea of dedicating a day to celebrating the creativity, industriousness, and economic achievements of the American worker took deep root in our country.

Usually, we don’t spend much time on Labor Day thinking about work. We sleep in, have picnics, do some chores, and spend time with friends. This year, I want to challenge you to incorporate a new tradition into your Labor Day routine. Let’s take a few minutes to celebrate the work of God in our lives.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:8-10

God did all of the work of salvation because we couldn’t. He lifted the load. He carried the cross. He paid the price. He sacrificed His heart. He faced death. He rolled back the stone. He created a way into His presence and offers it to us as a gift.

We are His workmanship. We are the products of His handiwork, the creative conclusion to His efforts, the ones for whom He took on this monumental task. His work in our lives unleashes His power. His effort infuses us with purpose and promise. His labor gives us an opportunity for new birth and new life.

My Jesus Resolution today is to celebrate God’s work in me and for me. God is at work all around me. He is moving on my behalf, preparing the way, straightening the path, and calling me closer to His heart. As I enjoy the day, I am going to find joy in the way He is making me more like Jesus.