I must admit that growing up, I didn’t realize or care why we celebrated Labor Day. I appreciated the day off from school. However, once, my football coach still insisted we come in for practice. The good news was that the practice was cut short. That is a story for another day. It suffices to say that many people enjoy the day off but give little thought to its purpose.
Labor Day honors the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy and social fabric. It originated in the late 19th century as a tribute to the labor movement, which fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours. The holiday recognizes the efforts of workers across industries, acknowledging their role in building the country’s prosperity. As a beneficiary of the contributions of past workers and having the opportunity to contribute now, it’s worth a thought and a prayer of appreciation.
The Wesleyan Church, of which Crosswinds is a part, has its roots in movements that played a notable but indirect role in the labor movement of the 19th century, primarily through its broader commitment to social reform and advocacy for marginalized groups. As Wesleyans, we have strongly been influenced by the teachings of John Wesley, who emphasized justice and care for the disadvantaged. Historically, we were staunch abolitionists, opposing slavery and championing the rights of the oppressed. This commitment to justice extended to other social issues, including labor rights. While the church’s primary focus was on abolitionism, its emphasis on fairness and dignity for all people aligned with the labor movement’s push for better working conditions, fair wages, and workers’ rights, particularly in the context of the Industrial Revolution’s harsh labor practices.
Furthermore, the church’s broader reformist zeal, inspired by Wesleyan theology’s call for holiness and social transformation, created a moral framework that resonated with the ideals of the labor movement. By planting anti-slavery churches in the South and supporting initiatives like the Underground Railroad, our Christian lineage fostered a culture of activism that indirectly encouraged labor advocates to challenge exploitative systems, even if the church itself did not formally align with labor unions.
The Wesleyan Church’s history of social reform, including its contributions to movements like abolitionism and indirectly to labor rights, is deeply rooted in biblical principles, such as the biblical call to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God”(Micah 6:8), which inspired their advocacy for the oppressed, including workers and enslaved individuals. Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:40, to care for “the least of these,” underpinned our commitment to uplifting the marginalized, aligning with efforts to address labor injustices. The doctrine of holiness, based on scriptures such as 1 Peter 1:15-16, calls for personal and social transformation, encouraging believers to challenge systemic sins, including exploitation. James 2:14-17, emphasizing faith expressed through action, further motivated our engagement in social causes. This biblical foundation fueled the Wesleyan Church’s activism, shaping its legacy of pursuing justice and dignity for all, and is carried on today through our mission efforts, such as anti-human trafficking works. Perhaps, as we enjoy our Labor Day festivities and the extra rest they afford us, we can take a moment to remember why we celebrate, the contributions of those in the past and present, and how we, too, can be used by God to make a difference. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!