Being able to work is a blessing from God that brings benefits. When the author (Anthony) started college, he worked in a one-year work-study program at the school food factory to pay for his education. He points out two benefits he recalled receiving. First, he was able to earn a significant portion of his tuition that allowed him to start and eventually complete his studies four years later. Second and the most fulfilling is that he gained the knowledge and the skill of how to make cornflakes. He said that he also learned that there is self-worth, satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and dignity that comes from participating in meaningful labour. This has driven his work ethic until now.
When God created the earth He placed our fore-parents there and gave them work because He knew of the benefits that would be gained from engaging in it. God instructed Adam to work and watch over the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). Being diligent in working would bring an abundance (Proverbs 14:23), it would bring satisfaction (Proverb 13:4), and it would bring wealth (Proverbs 10: 4).
As Labor Day looms in a couple of days, we are reminded that being able to work is a blessing from God. Therefore, as we worship today, let us thank Him that we can work and return to His cause a portion of what He has provided for us. Importantly, let us labor for souls.