By:Debbie Christopher ~~For the past 3 years, I have dedicated my Labor Day posts to provide opportunities for readers to reflect on their role as an employee or employer.
In 2021, we focused on what Scripture says about working enthusiastically.
In 2022, I borrowed from my daughter-in-law’s devotion and focused on the importance of working joyfully.
Last year (2023), we focused on working graciously .
I trust each of these three areas of work-life have motivated you to fulfill your daily responsibilities with these Biblical qualities in mind.
At the conclusion of the 2023 segment, I hinted at choosing a word from a section from Colossians chapter 3 for my 2024 Labor Day reflection. Yes, I chose….humility—working humbly…gulp!
Under the guidance and supervision of the Holy Spirit, Paul presented a list of characteristics for the new believers in Colossae to adopt as a new lifestyle. In Colossians 3:8-14, he exhorted them to put-off certain deeds and characteristics that represented their former lifestyle and, then, followed that list with deeds and characteristics to put-on that represented their new life in Christ.
Our theme for this Labor Day is found in the put-on list. Paul admonished these new believers to put-on humility as they dealt with others.
Humility is a Christ-like characteristic spoken of at length throughout Scripture. I bet many of you can quote…or sing…Micah 6:8! We can define it, explain it, and provide examples.
So, instead of listing a series of actions to demonstrate ways in which we can work humbly, let’s take a moment to consider why we should work humbly. Once we comprehend the why, I think we will definitely be able to take a deep breath and agree with the reminder found in 2 Corinthians 3:5.
“It is not that we are competent in ourselves to anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God.”
2 Corinthians 3:5-HCSB
Did you catch that? Our competency is from God for the benefit of others (See verse 3:6…linked above and 5:20b).
The Apostle Paul provided additional explanation and examples throughout the next three chapters of 2 Corinthians to remind the Corinthian believers (and ultimately us) of our mutual responsibility to encourage and motivate each other regarding God’s love and faithfulness*. He then concluded this section with this all important ‘therefore’:
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ…
2 Corinthians 5:20a ESV
Our talents, abilities, strengths, position, etc. have been given to us by God for the purpose of sharing Christ’s love and faithfulness with others.
I encourage you to take a reflective moment and read Philippians 2:3-11 to grasp the concept of true humility.
Be a humble ambassador of grace….
~Debbie
And, yes, I have next Labor Day in mind!😉
*Greg Christopher, PhD…Park Crest Baptist Church-FaithKeepers Grow Group lesson, August 2024.
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