Hi Ho, Hi Ho ... its Back to work we go.

Not just 7 dwarves but we all ought to sing about going to work.

In September we observe Labor Day, a legal holiday in honor of labor. The Bible deals with labor in a variety of ways. In Genesis 2:15 we read that “The Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (NIV) It was part of God’s plan of creation to make human beings for work and provide work for them.

Work is important for us. It is important enough that we often answer questions like who or what we are by referring to our work. We may answer in a num-ber of different ways like I’m a teacher, or a plumber, or a carpenter, or an office manager, or a business owner, or a pastor, or a doctor, or one of many other vocations. No wonder people get depressed when they are without jobs and meaningful work to do. Much of our self esteem is tied in closely with our work.

As God’s redeemed stewards we recognize that God has entrusted to us many things to manage and work with according to His will and plan. To not be willing to work and still expect to receive good things is like stealing. Ephesians 4:28 says, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (NIV)


Honest labor provides us with a sense of fulfillment and provides for our own needs and something extra to share with others who are in need. The book of Ecclesiastes includes a number of passages like 2:24; 3:12-13; 22; 5:18-20 that encourage us to find joy in our work. Work is a blessing from God and He gives us the time, talent and resources to do our work in a way that honors God and blesses others as well as our-selves. The words of Hebrews 13:20-21 affirm this truth: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (NIV)


So this September as many things like vacations are over and new things start up again—school, mission and ministry efforts in our con-gregations as well as other September activities—let’s remember that with the power of the Holy Spirit we can live and work as God’s re-deemed stewards who freely and joyfully manage all of life and life’s resources for His purposes. May we always be encouraged to give our very best when it comes to our financial gifts of love, our use of time and talents, and our willing service at home, in the workplace, in our communities and in our congregations.

The singing of ― Hi Ho, Hi Ho ...... its Back to work we go.‖ grows louder in September at Immanuel. LWML, Confirmation, Sunday School and more all resume. So, whether you are driving to a church meeting, getting on the bus to school, pulling into the workplace park-ing lot, or tossing dirty clothes in the washing machine. You should emulate the 7 dwarves. Recall Paul's word in 1 Corinthians 15:
58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”