Daily Devotional

-September 6, 2021-

Good morning, happy Monday, happy Labor Day-

-Our Labor Is Not In Vain In The Lord-

“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.”

(1 Corinthians 15:58).

Today is Labor Day, a day our nation and Canada celebrate our workers, most of whom have the day off. There are some people though that do have to work, and many of them really deserve a day off. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the summer.

For us as believers , we labor hard for our Lord Jesus Christ. Twice in today’s verse Paul uses the phrase “in the Lord.” We work for the greatest Master. Paul reminds us how hard the work of the Lord is. It is a spiritual work, and as a result we are opposed by the devil. We must be dedicated and determined to complete it while we live on this earth. There will be plenty of time to rest in eternity.

We may retire from our secular employment, as I have, but we never retire from the Lord’s work. Our work for Jesus and His kingdom will never be in vain. The words “in vain” is defined as, “without success or a result.” In the case of the Lord’s work, we are responsible for putting forth the effort and doing our best; the Lord brings forth the results. Paul points out three things we must do: be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.

• Be steadfast – To be steadfast means to stand firm or resolute for our Lord. There is no room for giving up. The word steadfast is defined as, “resolutely or dutifully firm or unwavering.” It reminds me of our police officers, firefighters, other first responders, and our armed forces. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for all they do to protect and defend us. Are we as steadfast in our service for our Lord?

• Be immovable – When we think of something that is immovable, we think of a great boulder. It would take many strong people to move it. Being immovable in Christ is relying on His strength and power, and not relying our own. In our world of political correctness and going with the flow, we stand out for our commitment to Christ and His Word. The world wants to squeeze us into its mold, Christ wants us to transform us into His image. We can either be conformed to this world or be transformed by the power of God.

• Be always abounding in the work of the Lord – There is a huge difference between merely working and abounding in the work. The word abounding is defined as, “very plentiful, abundant.” It is term associated with farming. Farmers work hard from dawn to desk so that we can enjoy their fruits and vegetables. We too benefit from our pastors, preachers, teachers, missionaries, Sunday School teachers, and other servants of the Lord. We should always support them in prayer and stand by them.

May the Lord help us to labor in the work of the Lord, trusting in our God to bring forth the results. We must always be steadfast, immovable, and abounding in the work of the Lord. The Lord will reward us for our faithful service at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Our labor for Christ is never in vain.

Have a blessed day laboring for our Master with all your spirit, soul, and body. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean

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