Reading – James 5:1-6, Colossians 3:22-4:1

Highlight Verse:

“For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”
‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Like 90% of Americans, I have never been a member of a union.

Nor have I ever had a boss like the one described in James 5:4.

But I am very thankful for at least one thing labor unions brought about that’s coming up this Monday – Labor Day.

I purposely selected two very different passages to read today.

The one in James was used by some of the early unions to take a stand against unjust employers.

The Colossians passage is used by some to oppose unions and by others to portray the Bible as antiquated and irrelevant.

I think the two passages work together to improve our world.

Paul was not in a position to abolish the practice of slavery when he wrote to the Colossians.

But he could make a difference in the relationships between believers who were slaves and believers who were slave owners.

When the Masters treated slaves as fellow believers and believing slaves worked as if they were working for God, it became a much better experience for everyone.

The same is true today.

When workers work as if they were working for Jesus, and employers treat their workers with respect and honor, life is good and God is honored.

I have always tried to work “as unto the Lord.”

For the most part, it has served me well with decent pay and encouraging bosses.

And plenty of holiday and vacation time off.

So, I will enjoy my relaxing 3-day Labor Day weekend and pray that you do as well.

What suggestions do you have for us to work as unto the Lord?
If you are the boss, what do you do to treat your employees with respect?