Motivational Mondays in the Marketplace™
Remember Those Who Labor Among You
By Dr. Kathy L. Amos
As we approach Labor Day, I can’t help but pause and thank God for the people He has sent to labor among us.
We often think of Labor Day as a time to recognize employees, workers, careers, and professions. But this week, my heart has been drawn to something deeper.
I have been thinking about the people God has assigned to help us carry vision.
Whether they are chamber members, board members, church members, employees, volunteers, ministry leaders, business partners, friends, or family, there are people who have contributed to the missions and assignments God has placed in our hands.
And sometimes, when we are working hard to accomplish the vision, we can become so focused on the work that we forget to honor the workers.
God Will Not Forget Their Labor
Hebrews 6:10 NLT says:
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
I love that scripture because it reminds us that God pays attention to labor.
He sees the work that others may overlook.
He sees the people who arrive early.
He sees the people who stay late.
He sees the person who keeps praying.
He sees the person who keeps serving.
He sees the employee who remains committed.
He sees the board member who keeps showing up.
He sees the volunteer who gives their time when nobody is applauding.
He sees it all.
And if God takes time to recognize faithful labor, we should too.
Show Up for the People Who Show Up for You
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Employee Appreciation Banquet for First Choice Home Care, owned by Business Empowered International Chamber of Commerce member Veronica Starling.
First Choice Home Care has more than 900 employees statewide, and what I witnessed was a tremendous example of gratitude and appreciation.
They did not simply gather their employees for another company event.
They intentionally celebrated them.
Employees were recognized for their years of service. They were honored for remaining committed to the organization. There were gifts, expressions of gratitude, and even five car giveaways.
They went above and beyond to communicate something very important:
We see you.
We value you.
We appreciate your labor.
That touched me because there is something powerful about showing up for the people who continually show up for you.
We Pray for Help, Then God Sends People
Leaders pray all the time.
Lord, send help.
Lord, send the right people.
Lord, send resources.
Lord, send people who believe in the vision.
Then God answers.
He sends someone who serves.
He sends someone who gives.
He sends someone who encourages.
He sends someone who works.
He sends someone who believes.
He sends someone who sees the vision and decides to help carry it.
But once they arrive, we have another responsibility.
We must steward the people God sends.
That means we cannot become so familiar with someone’s faithfulness that we stop appreciating it.
It is easy to notice someone when they first come alongside us. But after they have been dependable for months or years, their faithfulness can start to feel normal.
That is where leaders must be careful.
What has become normal to you may still require sacrifice from them.
Their Labor Is Not in Vain
First Corinthians 15:58 NLT says:
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
One of the greatest gifts a leader can give is the assurance that someone’s contribution matters.
People need to know that their labor is not in vain.
They need to know that what they do makes a difference.
Sometimes people do not need another assignment.
They need encouragement.
They need somebody to say:
Thank you for staying.
Thank you for serving.
Thank you for believing.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you for helping.
Thank you for carrying part of this with me.
Honor People While They Are Still Present
Too often, people receive their greatest recognition after they leave.
An employee resigns and suddenly everybody talks about how much they did.
A volunteer steps away and everyone realizes how much responsibility they carried.
A faithful member leaves and people begin to recognize all the ways they helped.
Why wait?
Honor people now.
Encourage them now.
Celebrate them now.
Tell them thank you now.
I heard a saying many years ago that has stayed with me:
“People don’t have to be nice to you, so tell them thank you.”
There is wisdom in that.
People do not owe us their kindness.
They do not owe us their loyalty.
They do not owe us their encouragement.
They do not owe us their support.
Likewise, God could have sent some of the people who have been tremendous blessings to us in another direction.
But He chose to allow their lives to intersect with ours.
He allowed them to believe in what we were building.
He allowed them to serve alongside us.
He allowed them to help us carry the vision.
That is worthy of gratitude.
Don’t Become So Vision Driven That You Become People Blind
Vision matters.
Mission matters.
Goals matter.
Growth matters.
But people matter to God.
A Kingdom leader cannot simply ask, “Did we accomplish the assignment?”
We must also ask, “How did we treat the people who helped us accomplish it?”
As we enter this Labor Day season, I want to encourage every business owner, ministry leader, pastor, executive, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and community leader to remember those who labor among you.
Think about the person who continually shows up.
Think about the person you can depend on.
Think about the person who supports the vision.
Think about the person who quietly carries responsibilities that make your life easier.
Then do more than think about them.
Tell them.
Call them.
Write them.
Honor them.
Celebrate them.
Show your gratitude.
Because although you may be the visionary, God never intended for you to fulfill the vision alone.
This Labor Day, remember those who labor among you.
Their contribution matters.
Their faithfulness matters.
And sometimes one simple “thank you” may be exactly what they need to keep going.
A Final Thought
Before this week ends, ask yourself:
Who has God sent to help me carry what He placed in my hands, and have I taken the time to let them know how much they mean to me?
Do not wait until they are gone to recognize their value.
Show up for the people who show up for you.
And never forget to tell them thank you.
Join Us at The Gathering Place Chapel
You are invited to worship, pray, grow, and connect with us at The Gathering Place Chapel, located inside Turning Point Fellowship Ministries International.
Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m.
Upper Room Marketplace Gathering, Wednesdays:
5:00 p.m. Networking & Fellowship
5:30 p.m. Testimonies & Prayer
6:00 p.m. Word & Worship
Marketplace Chapel Quiet Hours:
Monday through Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The chapel is available for prayer, reflection, and quiet time. Text or call 601-594-2330 to reserve a time.
414 S. State Street, Suite 201
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Dr. Kathy L. Amos is the founder and CEO of Business Empowered International Chamber of Commerce and President of Turning Point Fellowship Ministries International, Inc. She is committed to equipping leaders to grow in faith, leadership, purpose, and marketplace impact.
