What
situations might tempt us to believe that our labor for the Lord is in vain? Not enough money or
appreciation? Being received with hostility or indifference? Not producing
fruit at all? Any of these conditions could lead to discouragement. But Paul
admonishes us to always give
ourselves fully to the work of the Lord – he doesn’t make concessions for
extenuating circumstances. He doesn’t allow that we should consider giving up
just because no one seems to be responding to the gospel. He reminds us of what
we should already know: our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Ever.
I heard a comedian relate his experience with riding out a
tornado in a houseboat. It was a dramatic and well-told tale but the ending is
what stayed with me, even though I don’t remember the details: “It would have been more fun,” he said, “if I had known I was going to
live through it.” We Christians have a clear advantage over this comedian. No
matter how we get tossed about in life, we know that we have a happy ending to
look forward to.
So stand firm. Continue to serve where God has called you no
matter how futile your efforts may seem. Let nothing move you - except the
Spirit of the Lord. And you will live happily ever after. Forever.
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