On Labor Day, we traditionally take time to recognize the great workforce here in America.

Monday, September 2 – Labor – The Institute for Creation Research | The Institute for Creation Research (icr.org)
“We beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and
that ye may have lack of nothing. ” (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12)

On Labor Day, we traditionally take time to recognize the
great workforce here in America. From factories to restaurants,
from typing pools to machine shops, from schoolrooms to gas
stations, laborers help make the economy run, and on this day
America honors its workforce.
The Bible likewise frequently commends those who work.
For example: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let
him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that
he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28).
Several of the words in our text are significant. The verbs
“increase … study … be … do … work … walk … lack” are all in the
tense implying a habit or lifestyle. We are thus commended
to have a mindset of work, not laziness or expecting others
to do for us what we can do for ourselves.
The word “honestly” elsewhere is translated “decently” or
“properly” and is emphasized in the Greek. There is a proper
way to walk.
Perhaps Paul was referring to his own example: “For ye
remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for labouring night
and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you”
(1 Thessalonians 2:9).
Note that an admonition to continue in “brotherly love” (v.
9) is the context of our text. For one who refuses to work and
becomes a burden to society exhibits a lack of brotherly love
and is a reproach to the community of Christ.
Laborers are honored in Scripture, and so is labor. JDM

September · October . November 2024

Days of PraiseDaily Bible Readings and Devotional Commentaries
September · October · November 2024
“Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;
and our land shall yield her increase.”
(Psalm 85:12)
Photo Source: BigStock
Photographer: ikostudio
Institute for Creation Research . Copyright @ 2024
Scripture quotations are from
the King James Version of the Bible.
For subscription information, call 800.337.0375.

Introduction to
DAYS OF PRAISE
“[Jesus] saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sab-
bath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held
their peace. And when he had looked round about on them
with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts … “
(Mark 3:4-5)
Dear Christian friend,
Thank you for gathering with us each day this fall as we
read our Bibles together and seek to apply it to our lives.
Though it’s quite appropriate to think on the Lord Jesus’
humility, deep patience, and profound love, we must always
remember that He’s perfect in every way-including in His
anger. It’s likely that none of us is free from being self-willed
or having other manifestations of a hardened heart. Our text
above reminds us that this more than displeases the Lord
Jesus. Oh, how we need Him enabling us to please Him (Ro-
mans 7:24-25).
Toward that end, I pray that the Holy Spirit will use these
short Bible studies to more fully conform us to the Lord
Jesus’ image and the love of our good heavenly Father.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Randy J. Guliuzza, President
Contributors:
HMM Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.
HMM III Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.
JDM John D. Morris, Ph.D.
CCM Charles (Chas) C. Morse, D.Min.
BDT Brian D. Thomas, Ph.D.

The Institute for Creation Research | The Institute for Creation Research (icr.org)

Share ICR with Others | The Institute for Creation Research