No Wasted Efforts

No Wasted Effort
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” -1 Corinthians 15:58

One of the sweetest promises in all the Bible is found in 1 Corinthians 15:58. Paul has written a long letter to the church in Corinth full of all kinds of doctrine, instructions, and encouragement. But this promise is his closing word.

The church in Corinth has much work to do. The message of the gospel must get out. It won’t always be easy. In fact, it will often feel as though nothing at all is happening and the work is all in vain. The church will go through seasons of drought and want. When those times come, the church must remember that “in the Lord, your labor is not in vain.”

We held our annual Fall Fest last Saturday here at the church. Folks from all over the community came to our campus to enjoy games, food, and live music. We talked with them and invited many of them to church. Whether or not they came to worship on Sunday, we need to know that “in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” The kind words you shared, the invitation you extended, and the grace you demonstrated were not futile.

As we await the fruit of our labor in the Lord, may we be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Keep it up. Work hard. Pray harder. It won’t be in vain. That’s a promise – not from me but from God.

Your Pastor and Friend,
John Knox Foster