Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1Co 15:58 NKJ). NIV: Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.
Paul encouraged these dear saints in the Corinthian church to be steadfast, immovable, and always giving themselves fully to the work! In this chapter, he reminds the Christians that Jesus Christ has died, risen again, forgiven our sins, and is coming back for His church. All of their serving and efforts were for Him!
These saints were already giving their all for Jesus, and to you also, Paul would say, don’t back down now, don’t waver or wander off now. Even if everybody else is backing off around you, even if something negative is said, even if your own life is difficult, give yourselves entirely to the Lord and His work; it will be worth it. He is worth it!
In the next chapter, Paul continues to give us more helpful encouragement around this thinking. He writes, Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. (1Co 16:13-14 NKJ).
Now we understand there are crucial rest times. We also understand there are seasons in a person’s life that they walk through, but Paul encourages us here, as best we can, Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, always abounding in the work. We don’t do this to gain His love, attention or affection, but we do this because we have already received those things and have a daily supply of heavenly grace.
The Christian life is an eternally abundant life. There is spiritual abundance in the genuine Christian experience. The future resurrection and meeting with Christ are to serve as our fuel. The hope of glory that awaits. The present experience of His grace and power in the now keeps us going. We serve from a position of victory in Jesus, even though we encounter life challenges often. But we also work towards the realisation and experience of complete victory when we will meet Jesus.
Paul cheers us on to abound in the work of God now, with the fervent hope of our resurrection. With this mindset, he wants the church to tackle the Lord’s work with unswerving dedication, recognising that it will involve actual hard work. But we stick at it, with God’s help and grace, encouraging one another – we stick at relying on His strength that He gives. It will take all of us – the church is not meant to be a spectator sport.
God really has called us all, the church needs us all, and the body of Christ needs every part working. Be encouraged today, Beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Paul’s encouragement to keep going and press into Your work. I thank You that You have called and equipped me to serve You. Lord, pour in fresh strength, wisdom, grace and guidance that I might be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Amen