Not in Vain
For the next three weeks we'll be doing a series on "Faithful Perseverance."As I look at our city, our country and our world, it is clear that we are facing challenging times. We are not going to "shrink back and be destroyed" but rather we will "believe and be saved" (Heb10:39)
| Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. (1Corinthians15:58) |
This has been my year verse for 2023.
Here's why:
Firstly, the "Therefore" is based on the contents of the first part of the chapter, which is Paul's celebration of the Resurrection of Christ and the incredible hope that this brings us. Christ is Risen and so the grave has no hold over us. We have a solid foundation both in life and in death!
Then Paul addresses them as brothers and sisters. What a gift the community of faith is! We are not alone, we are part of the family of the Redeemed. We are sons and daughters of God and we find connection, support, care, backup and intercession in the community of faith.
So that's our foundation: The hope of Resurrection and the Comfort and Strength of the family of God.
Now comes the work:
- Stand Firm - Let Nothing move you: In a world of shifting values and shifting alliances, we need to be resolute in our faith in Christ (even when the world says that there are many ways that lead to God,) in our value systems (even when the world says we are old fashioned) and in our holy habits of Scripture Reading, Prayer, Fellowship, Obedience to the Promptings of the Spirit and Sharing our Faith even when the world tells us that we shouldn't "get too carried away with our religion".
- And we need to give ourselves fully to God's work. We should figure out what God wants us to do, even if it seems something little, and then get it done. Then look for the next thing - if we are willing to serve even if it is not in the limelight and even if there's very little recognition, then God will be at work in us and in what we do for Him.
"Our Labour is not in Vain!"
When a little boy headed out with his little lunch packet one morning, he never dreamed that he'd be helping to feed the five thousand. God will use what we do, even if we can't see it immediately.
So we have a foundation: Resurrection Hope and our God Family.
We have a reassurance: God will use whatever we give and do to make a difference
We have a calling: We must Stand Firm and Throw ourselves into Service.
It's never in vain!
