Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Dignity of Labor

Bible Reading:  Exodus 36:1-13


Key verse: “And every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.” — Exodus 36:1 (NIV)


DEVOTION

The work that God values is the work that glorifies His name. Throughout the Bible, it is evident that men and women, in their respective fields and areas of expertise, contributed to the expansion of God's Kingdom. Whether a stonemason, carpenter, fisherman, farmer, business owner, doctor, or priest – God values their work when it is done to glorify Him. Through excellence in their work, they also built strong, thriving communities. 
In Exodus 36, we see Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled workers called to build the tabernacle. Their craftsmanship was sacred and their labor an act of worship. This reminds us that no job done in accordance with God’s will is insignificant. Whether it’s designing, cleaning, teaching, or serving, every role matters when done with a heart to honor Him. The sanctuary was built by people like us, using their hands, skills, and time. That’s the dignity of labor: God chooses to work through us. As Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said: “Remember, that work is His. You are His co-worker. Therefore, He depends on you for that special work. Do the work with Him, and the work will be done for Him. The talents God has given you are not yours – they have been given to you for your use, for the glory of God. There can be no half-measures in the work.”
In today’s world, we often rank work by pay, title, or prestige. But God sees faithful labor as worthy of honor. Work done with integrity, and a pure and purposeful heart, however ordinary it may seem, is a holy offering. 
Whatever your hands find to do, do it well. God delights in skillful, humble work done for His glory.

PRAYER

 

Lord, thank You for the talents, gifts, and skills You’ve given me. Help me to work faithfully, knowing that all labor done with You and for You has meaning and dignity. Amen.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

My work is for a King! 


Stephen Samuel and Sanya Thomas
Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston

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