In this difficult labor market it is hard for some to celebrate Labor Day. Many industrious persons are unemployed because of no fault of their own. The economy has forced many into the ranks of the unemployed. This has put great stress on many families. To such persons I want to encourage you not to let it rob you of your dignity or self-worth. You are still the person you were when fully employed.

Often we get so attached to our employment we tend to think of it as who we are. When asked who they are some answer, "I am an engineer ..." or whatever they are. That is what they do, but not who they are. You are a person of significance and worthiness - with or without a job.

Now a word to those employed. Jobs are valuable. Esteem your employment as such. If you don't want your job, look around. There is a long line of persons who would be delighted to have it.

A good work ethic is job security. Put yourself into your job. Give your employer your best. There is a sense of significance in doing a job well and completing a task with excellence. Be responsible.

I don't mean like the young guy applying for employment who, when asked if he were responsible answered, "I certainly am. The last job I had everything that went wrong they said I was responsible."

The heart of the problem is a problem of the heart when it comes to being an unproductive employee. It will be a great day in America when everybody who has a job works. Many people quit looking for work when they get a job. It is said the greatest energy crisis in America is Monday morning. The very best kind of pride is that which motivates persons to do their very best even when no one is looking.

A sign in a Detroit business office states: "The management regrets that it has come to their attention that workers dying on the job are failing to fall down. This practice must stop, as it becomes impossible to distinguish between death and natural movement of the staff. Any employee found dead in an upright position will be dropped from the payroll."

A worker owes the employer. Here are two things.

You owe it to the employer not to complain about your work. Other employees suffer as a result of being around a complaining coworker. The Law of Emotional Gravity states: "One pessimist can pull five optimists down easier that five optimists can pull up one pessimist."

You owe it to the employer not to steal. If you don't put in an honest day's work you are taking money for working at a time you were not working. That is theft. If you are not happy with your job, either change or change your job.

A good work philosophy is found in a biblical text that has been the theme of my life: "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men..." (Colossians 3:23). I call that emotional equilibrium.

If you do a job to the best of your ability so as to please the Lord and people brag, don't take off on an ego trip. You did not do it for them, you did it for Him.

If you do the job as to the Lord and He approved but people criticize, you don't get depressed. You didn't do it for them, you did it for Him. Enjoy the fruit of your labor.

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Price is pastor emeritus of Roswell Street Baptist Church. Contact Price at nlprice@aol.com.