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.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Every day it becomes more apparent that we, the children of God, need to know who we are and who we belong to. The instruction and encouragement found in 1 Corinthians 15:58 highlights three essential things that every Christian must do to stand our ground.
One: We must realize our identity as brothers and sisters in Christ. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we are the redeemed children of God. We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are joint heirs with Christ. We are sons and daughters of the living God. This means that we have the right, the expectation and the privilege to be in communion with the Lord.
Two: We are given the instruction to “stand firm” and “let nothing move you.” This means that God has given us everything we need to understand our position and hold it. Because our identity is in Him, we don’t have to worry about what other people are doing. We just need to follow God and do what He has told us to do. We have to be prepared to do the work God has created us to complete. Regardless of what anyone else is focusing on, we have to continue in the work that God has given us to do. Period.
Three: We can completely trust God that our work for Him will not be in vain. The word vain has a double meaning. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines vain as being “too proud of your own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc.” and “having no success; not producing a desired result”. Verse 34 states that “your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” The Message Bible puts it this way: “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” Having all confidence that our work is not in vain means that we’re not depending on ourselves to do what only God can do. We’re not trying to do God’s work in our own strength. As the children of God, we have the unique opportunity to partner with Him as he does great works in our lives and in the earth. When we step outside of ourselves and follow along with what God Says to do that’s when we can see the miraculous at work.
Prayer/Reflection: Father, help us to see You in the everyday things of life. To recognize that we are truly Your sons and daughters. Help us to hold on to Your instruction to stand firm and not be moved by anything. We will always give ourselves fully to You, Your plans, and Your purposes so that we can complete the work that You have given us to do. We decree and declare that our work is not in vain. And that Your word does not return void. If You send us out to do it, You will give us what we need to complete the assignment. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.