September 12, 2023

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “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.”

What it means

This is quite a long chapter in the apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth.  A little background – Corinth was a busy, bustling town with lots of trade and action going on, and a wee bit of immorality as well, so Paul spent much of his first letter chastising the Corinthians to get their act together and start acting like followers of Christ.  Chapter 15 is divided into three parts – the resurrection of Christ (verses 1-11), the resurrection of the dead (verses 12-34), and the resurrection body (verses 35-58).  Within each of these sections, there is language to encourage the Corinthians and get down to the basics as to what they needed to understand as Christians…namely, that we are to remain firm and steadfast in our faith in Jesus… “let nothing move you.”  If we are able to accomplish that, The Lord will make sure that He responds appropriately by rewarding our efforts – even when it appears that we’re not accomplishing anything terribly significant, “your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

What it means to me

It is easy for us to become distracted and take our eyes off of the ultimate prize that life with Jesus offers us – the promise of a resurrected future. So many differing voices vie for our attention and end up pulling us from what we need to be focusing on.  It is challenging for me as well – life is full, and it becomes more and more difficult to stand firm, doesn’t it? If you feel yourself wanting to give up, please don’t…we’re not expected to do this on our own, in our own strength.  Let’s drop back a verse to 57 – “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  He provides the encouragement, He provides the strength, and yes, He provides the victory at the end of the day.  Keep swinging and put everything that you have into whatever work The Lord may be calling you to do, and it will not be in vain, I promise you!

Love you guys, talk to you on Thursday!

In Christ,

Brian