Several times each day, I monitor news and the local obituaries in an effort to be aware of those who have lost loved ones. I was reading the obituary of a man who had passed away that I did not know recently. After the man’s family was listed and having a brief summary of where he grew up, the next line said, “He was a laborer.” Those four words seemed not only simple but also gave me an image of someone who got up each day, gave his best, and returned home to rest so the cycle could begin again.
As I read those words and saw a life the man had built and cultivated, I couldn’t help but make a spiritual application. Our monuments may be elaborate, or we may have constructed a detailed obituary to be left for others to read & contemplate, God’s expectation for us is to labor for Him. Christians have many “work” opportunities each day by:
Studying for God’s approval—II Timothy 2:15
Seeking to be fruitful—II Peter 1:8
Maintaining good works—Titus 3:8, 14
Praying for wisdom—James 1:5-6
Giving God praise—Ephesians 3:21
We have creative freedom and ability to leave a headstone or a comprehensive eulogy. We must remember what God is most concerned with when it comes to the life we lived. The words we leave behind can comfort our loved ones as they grieve. More importantly, if our life was lived as a laborer for Him, what is more comforting than that? Words do matter but actions matter most. Let’s be an example to those of our family and friends. A summary of our life is important, but the fruits of our labor must be pleasing to God. Matthew 25:21 tells us we should seek to be remembered as a servant. Let’s labor for Him today!
