Labor Day is national holiday in the U.S.
This is a national holiday in the U.S., and one that has been celebrated for more than 120 years. That’s why we have an abbreviated issue of Smart Ministry this week. But we wanted to reflect briefly on the meaning of Labor Day.
Traditionally, Labor Day is a day off in tribute to, and recognition of, the workers in the U.S. who are the backbone of our society. In many ways it is associated in people’s minds with labor unions, which have also been a significant part of our society for many years.
Unions are a highly polarizing topic. To some, unions are the reason companies hesitate to hire as many people as they really need. They are the reason American-made products are often more expensive than those from other countries. They are the reason companies are struggling under the weight of salaries and pension funds they can no longer keep afloat.
These are all good points… but what about the other side of the coin?
Unions came about in response to horrendous sweatshop conditions being propagated by greedy managers, focused on lining their own pockets while the workers suffered. In the days when the U.S. government paid billions to bail out finance institutions whose officers were receiving millions in bonuses even as their companies failed, does anyone really believe corporations are less greedy today?
Here’s the point.
In a Christian world, there would be no need for unions. Every worker would work hard “as if for the Lord” as the Bible directs, and would be content with his or her wages rather than expecting unsupportable raises. Every employer would share generously with the workers who make business successful, and would treat them with honor and respect every day.
On this Labor Day, it is our prayer that Christians everywhere will consider whether we are being the kinds of workers, supervisors, and employers that God expects. Are we being diligent at whatever our hands find to do? Are we being generous with our resources, or are we busily foused on making enough to tear down our barns and put up bigger ones to store all our goods?
Whichever side of the labor equation you’re on, one thing is clear: there is no biblical support for greed, but great praise for contentment.
