It is a sabbath of rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance.
Leviticus 16:31
Yes, I did open the blog up today with a verse from Leviticus. But the verse lines up with the idea behind Labor Day, so it fits.
God equates rest with denying yourself. That’s kind of weird because denying yourself is usually something we don’t like. We associate it with not being able to do things we want or love to do. Who wouldn’t like a day off? It actually sounds like you’re indulging yourself.
How exactly are you denying yourself by not working? You’re denying yourself the illusion that you have to work to keep the world working. And the truth is, that’s a hard illusion for many of us to let go of. We’ve been programmed to believe that everything rises and falls on our own productivity. That maybe God even needs us to keep going to get done what He wants to get done.
But the truth is, He doesn’t.
Have you ever considered the fact that God is ok with the fact that you are asleep for 1/3 of your life? And therefore useless to Him for 1/3 of your life? Yet none of His purposes are thwarted. I’m pretty sure He’s ok with you taking a Sabbath every week. And even an extra Monday off once a year in September. The world will keep working. God’s purposes will not be put on hold.
So enjoy your Labor Day. Spend some time with your family. Watch a movie. Enjoy the things you work so hard to have but never have the time to actually enjoy.
Take advantage of your day off today.
Then get back at it hard tomorrow.
