Not in vain

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.  – 1 Corinthians 15.58

How often have some of us wondered whether or not we were doing whatever we were doing for the Lord was worth it. It may no be a problem in a big, thriving, and vibrant church or ministry, but what about when the ministry is small and weak and just struggling along? What if it seems like everything we try fails? Is it really worth it? Why should we keep plugging away when we don't see the results that we want to see?

When we consider that question we need to keep in mind the rest of the chapter. We are assured of eternal life because of the resurrection that Christ made possible. This is not all there is. Death is not the end because it has been crushed to death. One day Jesus is coming back for us. The final victory is already won. 

In the light of that, because our future in not contingent on our present circumstances, because we work in the light of eternity we are to:

Be steadfast 

Be unmoveable 

Be always abounding in the work of the. Lord

And why do we bother with all that? Because we are looking for recognition or rewards here on earth? Because we are going to see earthly success?

No, we do it because we know that our labour in the Lord is not a waste. We may not see it now. We may not see it next year or the year after or the year after that. We may not even see it in our lives. But our labour is not in vain, it is not a waste, it is not empty. 

So let's stick at the job God has given us to do. Let's not give up because it doesn't go the way we think it should.