Labor Day — it's the unofficial end to summer vacations and “leisure” time. At least, this is what it signifies for many people around the country.
It is often celebrated with sales in many stores, a long three-day weekend, and parties.
But Labor Day was not established as a day of rest from work, as most use it now. Rather, it was born out of extreme adversity. In short, it was established as a way to quell labor unrest and violence against rail workers who engaged in a wildcat strike because of unfair labor practices and poor pay practices.
In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation that established a national Labor Day. The intent was to recognize the strength of labor forces around the country. Parades were held in cities around the nation.
Labor Day has evolved to workers having a day off from their labors to enjoy a day of rest. Many work establishments are closed, although a growing number no longer observe this holiday.
I find it interesting that it took an act of the United States government to write into law one day a year on which to not engage in labor. God, on the other hand, has given us the gift of one day a week in which to rest from our labor. It’s called the Sabbath.
Whether you read the commandment about keeping God’s Sabbath in Exodus 20 or Deuteronomy 5, you will find that the admonition to keep the Sabbath holy is the longest of all commandments. This speaks of its great importance.
God knows our penchant for working hard and long hours. For some, it is a necessity to make sure all bills are paid. Others seek wealth and the trappings that can go along with that wealth.
Yet, when we engage in such endeavors to the point they become all consuming, our attention is drawn away from God — which leads to disastrous results.
We need to remember that we are the ones who create our work and our busyness. And we are the ones who can put a stop to it — for at least one day a week.
We are called to take one day a week to rest and replenish our body, mind, and soul. The Sabbath is not to be a day for more work or running around with various kinds of distractions. We are to rest from our labors to refocus on the God who created us and calls us into relationship with him.
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Keep the Sabbath holy — even on holidays