Even though school has just started here in Texas for my two boys, we sure are looking forward to the extended weekend with Monday off for Labor Day. HIP, HIP, HOORAY!

What’s funny is that with the beginning of school this week, my own business of writing blogs and social media for small businesses has ramped up and my laboring through this work week has gotten me thinking…of course.

Am I working hard or hardly working?  Am I working to fulfill my God-purpose in this world or am I working to gain financial security so that I can then sit back and drift?  Hm.

It doesn’t matter if you are CEO of Biggest American Company or if you are a stay-at-home spouse or parent raising children and managing the household for no paycheck.  Either way, we are supposed to take our laboring seriously and do our absolute best in every situation.  Half-hearted anything will just not do.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…. Colossians 3:23

The word, whatever, pretty much encompasses EVERYTHING.  There is no mistaking what His requirement is.  We aren’t supposed to just live out our purpose; we are to do it well.

Do we truly give it our all when we wash dishes, do laundry, go to work, mow the yard, or raise our children?  Sigh.

God also tells us what will happen if we try to slide through life without much effort.

Because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. Ecclesiastes 2:21

Now, that just stinks!  There is no way that I want the fruits of my labor to be enjoyed by someone else and not by me, too (selfish, but true).  However, that is exactly what will happen if I’m not living God’s Will for my life or if I’m not putting my best foot forward every time I do something.

Working has a purpose and everyone has a job to do.  The purpose is to provide for our families and those less fortunate.

It’s no secret that what goes around comes around.  When we work hard and give much, we will reap the benefits of God’s joy, hope and peace, regardless of what our bank account looks like.

On the flip side, when we lazily go through each day, we will soon become discouraged, depressed and unhappy.

Laboring and doing it well bolsters our confidence, conviction, integrity, strength and courage.  These are all things that God provides for us when we do His Will.

In addition, when our life is over, what sort of accomplishments do we want to have provided this world?

Will we settle for average or second-rate?  Or will we be lauded by our Heavenly Father that we served His Purpose and that we did it to His expectations and liking?

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21

Ohhh, how I long to hear those words from my Maker.  I can only imagine the ecstasy of God’s Joy.

So, as we romp, rip and play this holiday weekend, ask yourself if you are going to put as much effort into your life’s work as you did having fun this weekend?!?

Happy Labor Day!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 13:22 – A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.