By Kingsley Baehr

In the “Wizard of Id” comic strip by Parker and Hart, [Sun. Newark Star-Ledger, Sept. 2, 2007] a representative of the peasants of Id appears before the king:
“The peasants want the day off work for Labor Day,” he demands.
“Nice try! It’s Labor Day not lazy day,” replies the king
.
Isn’t it interesting that we have a holiday from labor and call it “Labor Day”?

“Laborers” are often disrespected in our society, mainly because much of their work does not seem to require a complete education or advanced technical skills. What is required of them is commitment, trust-worthiness, obedience and hard work, in what are, often, difficult environments.
“Laborers” who are committed, trustworthy, obedient and hard-working are exactly whom Jesus says He wants.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” [Luke 10:2]

Laborers, not PhD.’s.
 Laborers, not techno-whizzes.
  Laborers, not star athletes.
Laborers, not highly-skilled artists.
 Laborers, not wealthy businessmen.
Of course, if you are a committed, trustworthy, obedient and hard-working servant of Jesus, plus a PhD. or a techno-whiz, or a star athlete, or a highly-skilled artist, or a wealthy businessman, or all of these combined, Jesus wants you as His laborer. But any of the last five without all of the first four are useless to Him.
But why would anyone want to be a laborer for Jesus? Well, Jesus “worked Himself to death” for us. So, if we have any appreciation of His work on our behalf, then it should be a thrill to us to “do all for the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31a]
And listen to this!

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one [unified in their labor]; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s co-workers...” [1 Corinthians 3:8,9]

How exciting is that! Being a co-worker with God! And who could possibly be a better rewarder than God?

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” [Colossians 3:23,24]

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every man according to what he has done. [Revelation 22:12]

So for whom or what are you laboring? Is it worth it? Will it last throughout eternity? Or will you lose it all when you die? Something to seriously think about.