"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,
STAND FIRM
This is stated as a command, but that means it is a choice, so it must be in your control. To stand firm means:
* To take ownership of enduring.
* To choose to not give up.
* To prepare for the long haul.
* To refuse to retreat.
LET NOTHING MOVE YOU
In ancient warfare, soldiers would stand side by side facing the enemy; each one had to keep their place beside others and not let the enemy conquer the one place they held. To give way would mean defeat to the one who yielded and the comrades on each side.
Many things try to move us away from service. We must learn to recognize them, turn from them, and deal decisively with them.
ALWAYS
Always means not just once in a while but at every turn and every opportunity. There is no room for the attitude of standing firm in one situation and then yielding in another.
GIVE YOURSELF FULLY
These three words offer much to think about. We are to give ourselves away and if that is our attitude then discouragement or defeat are not considerations. Discouragement and defeat are opposed to giving yourself away because it implies you were hoping to gain something, but giving yourself away is the sacrifice of yourself and all rewards.
WORK OF THE LORD
One effect of salvation is that God has made us His servants/partners. We do good works as if we were His hands and feet.
It is not our work- it is His work. We are not responsible for success or failure, after all, the Bible teaches Jesus has already won the victory. Our purpose is not the outcome but the work.
KNOWING
Knowing means you are certain and assured. We know that our work is valued by our Lord.
NOT IN VAIN
So many things we do are vain and wasteful, but even a glass of water given in His name will not lose its reward. (Matthew 10:42, Mark 9:41). If it is done in the Lord, it is not vain.
You might do many mighty great works, but they must be in the Lord, so those works are in fellowship with and in concert with His purpose and will. If our works have the guidance of the Lord in keeping with his Word, they will be worthy of the "Well done good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).
If you want to learn more about coming to God, please see my other blog about salvation.
