“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 labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

We have just celebrated Labor Day, and although I know that many workers get the day off to rest from their labors, many of you worked right on through. I sincerely hope you know how appreciated you are, and how godly it is that you remained at your post, working for the Lord.

This devotional is “bookended” by words spoken by the Apostle Paul to his brothers in sisters in Christ to encourage them in their faith. Their faith was a dynamic faith in many ways. For example:

• These new believers were actively converting from their old religion, whether it be Judaism or paganism, giving up their old ways and exchanging them for the ways of Christ. This involved continuous decision-making and taking action regarding what to think, what to say, and what to do. This is stressful and exhausting.
• In many cases, they were rejected by their families of origin because of their Christianity, and as a result having to relocate and develop new relationships and new resources. This, too, is challenging and stressful.
• And perhaps most importantly, they were actively involved in the expansion of Christianity, winning souls for Christ and supporting the missionary efforts of others. And while rewarding, it was dangerous and stressful work.

This is why Paul so often used metaphors of running the race and fighting the fight, because these new believers were so actively contending for the faith.

Many of us, early in the throes of any major change, are energetic and enthusiastic about what we are striving to do. And then, over time, we become complacent, maybe even bored, and possibly even revert to the older, “easier” ways. I bet you can relate; I know that I can. When I start a new job, I am so excited about coming to work every day and what I am going to learn and accomplish. And then it can sometimes just become routine, going through the motions. We can forget what our true motivation for the change was in the first place. Marriage can be like that also. That’s why John wrote to the church at Ephesus “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4).

How can we overcome this tendency to slack off, to forsake the first love and excitement?

1. Continually pray that our priorities are in the right place. In other words, focus on doing the Lord’s work. It is our “labor in the Lord” that is not in vain.
2. Remember that we are not doing this on our own— “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
3. Surround yourself with partners in the gospel, to pray and be prayed for, to encourage and be encouraged by, and to work alongside.
4. Focus on the prize, the crown, the wreath, the commendation of “well-done good and faithful servant”, the “harvest.” “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Jesus has promised that our labor “in the Lord” will not be in vain and that he will carry it through to completion. Therefore, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:4-6).

In Christ,

Judy