1. We should work with the proper motive.

2.  Labor Day marks the end of summer – back to school, back to work, settle in for the fall and winter.  It was originally designed to honor the “working man.”  Why do we work?  Many are “stuck” in a work / sleep routine.  Do you work to have things?  Do you work to keep your head above water?  The Judeo-Christian work ethic – Then the L ORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. Genesis 2:15

3.  Many work for things, fame, or glory  Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." John 6:27  I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain Galatians 4:11  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

4.  Many work for things, fame, or glory  Things are temporary - But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10  To be seen "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:5

5.  1 Part of the plan of God  17 Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." Genesis 3:17-19

6.  1 Part of the plan of God  For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10  This world does not OWE you life, food, shelter, health care.  We must not be lazy, freeloader, sluggard, deadbeat

7.  2 To Help Others  Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Ephesians 4:28  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10  Work so you can help victims of a tornado, flood, earthquake, burned house

8.  3 Because we trust God  NOT – in order to get from God. Out work does not create a debt that God owes us.  NOT – to earn heaven, salvation, eternal life.  For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10

9.  2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3  For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10

10.  22 Bondservants, (workers, employees) obey in all things your masters (boss, employer) according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:22-25