“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 Cor. 15:58 (NKJV)
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is an annual national tribute to the contributions workers have made to our country’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. I salute everyone for your contributions, which have enriched all our lives.
Have you ever wondered whether your labor is really worth the toil and trouble, strain and stress, ingratitude and injustice, especially when there seems to be no visible fruit from your labor? If you are like me, your reply is a big “YES!” No one enjoys expending wasted effort, energy, and emotion in an exercise of futility.
Although we may feel this way at times, 1 Corinthians 15:58 reassures us that one’s labor, not so much the actual exertion but the weariness, the exhaustion of strength in the Lord, isn’t in vain. It isn’t hollow in effort or empty of effect. Proverbs 14:23 states, “In all labor (hard work) there is profit.” In other words, your work is worth it.
Here are three reasons why, as a Christian, one’s labor isn’t vain in the Lord.
Our labor has been required
“But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,” (Phil. 1:22-25, NKJV). Believe it or not, we are useful to the Lord. As with the Apostle Paul, the Lord has need of us, as shocking as that may seem. We have something of worth to contribute to the continuing work of the Lord, whereby the Body of Christ will profit.
Our labor is remembered
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister,” (Heb. 6:10, NKJV). Often, it seems that all the good one does goes unnoticed. It’s important to keep in perspective that we really have an audience of one to be concerned about. That one is God, who has a very good memory and doesn’t forget our work and labor. If God keeps track of our sorrows, catches and collects our tears in a bottle, and records them (Psalm 56:8), then our labors aren’t overlooked. In God’s book, our work is recognized and cherished.
Our labor will be rewarded
“Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor… If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward,” (1 Cor. 3:8, 14 NKJV). We are assured that we will be rewarded for our labor. But it’s important to examine our true motive for working for the Lord. Our labor shouldn’t be solely based on the reward we will receive. Rather, it should flow from gratitude for the Lord’s redemption from sin and our love for Him, knowing that the size of our reward will be based on His righteous estimation (Matt. 20:7).
I hope you have a relaxing and rejuvenating Labor Day to continue in your labors in the Lord. Remember this: the greatest reward for the Christian, the hope of the Resurrection, makes all the effort taken in the Lord’s work worth it. No work done in His name is wasted!
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Rev. 22:12-13 NKJV
Rev. Johnson Beaven III is a speaker, theological educator, and ministry mentor. For more information, visit linktr.ee/johnsonbeaven. Contact him by email at jb3ministries@gmail.com or on X at @jbiiiministries.
Rev. Johnson Beaven III is a speaker, theological educator, and ministry mentor. For more information, visit linktr.ee/johnsonbeaven. Contact him by email at jb3ministries@gmail.com or on X at @jbiiiministries.
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