When We Do God’s Work, Our Labor Is Not in Vain
As Paul winds down his first letter to the church in Corinth, he gives a simple command, followed by some encouragement.
He says for them—and us, by extension—to remain diligent doing God’s work.
Though we may not see the results of what we do or at least not realize the full outcomes of our actions, we will not toil needlessly. Our labor will produce results.
While this command to give God 100 percent is simple in concept, the implementation presents a challenge.
What does it mean to give ourselves fully to God’s work?
Do we need to be in ministry or have a full time job at a Christian service company to do God’s work?
Can we do God’s work in a regular job? Can we do God’s work at school? At home? For our neighbors? With our family? I think the answer is “Yes.”
That brings up the next question.
What is God’s work?
I’m not being flippant. It’s a serious question.
Is the Lord’s work being a pastor or missionary? Is God’s work volunteering at church? How about helping at the local service organization?
Can we do the work of the Lord by how we live our life?
While we can use words to tell others about him, we may be able to speak more effectively if we let our actions talk for us. Isn’t that God’s work, too?
Though we can debate what it is to do the Lord’s work and in what setting we should do it, don’t let these details get in the way of the command to “give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord” for when we do, our “labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV).
[Read through the Bible this year. Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 14-16, and today’s post is on 1 Corinthians 15:58.]
Read more in Peter’s book, Love is Patient (book 7 in the Dear Theophilus series).
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.