Good Labor

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

What is Labor Day? According to Wikipedia: Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.
Basically, it's a holiday for the working man and woman. In many regions of the US, it's the last long weekend to say goodbye to summer, then we all hunker down for the fall. If you love fall, then it's time for sweaters, fluffy boots, and pumpkin spice lattes. Not last week, but next week...
Do you remember when schools started AFTER Labor Day? I do, so I guess that makes me old.
Speaking of old, I get tired quicker than I used to. My teenage sons are bench pressing and deadlifting heavy weights for personal records, and I'm over here throwing out my shoulder pouring a cup of coffee. I have been in a season of acceptance of what it means to be in my 40's now. To be honest, I'm thinking of retiring. I've got enough in my savings account to retire for the rest of my life, as long as my last day of life is next Tuesday. 😂
In all seriousness, as followers of Jesus, we are invited into a lifelong journey of being with Him, becoming more like Him, and doing the things that He does.
The apostle Peter described Jesus as "anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power," and how "He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) The work that Jesus did was an example to us of how we can live our lives in service of others, laboring for the right things, not in our own strength or wisdom, but filled with the power of God's Holy Spirit.
The work Jesus calls us to is a venture of faith. In our jobs or businesses, we work for the resources to pay our bills and fund our lifestyles. In God's Kingdom, we work for what is eternal in significance. While the difference seems obvious, many of us as followers of Jesus find ourselves getting tired in the work of the Kingdom, because we don't always see a tangible return on investment (ROI) like we do in our jobs, businesses, or the stock markets.
We pray for people to change, yet years later, they're farther away from God than before.
We spend countless hours serving in our local church, yet feel like we're not making a real difference.
We invest our time, talent, and treasure to share the Gospel with people, yet it's been a long time since we've seen someone give their life to following Jesus as a result.
We raise our children, build our marriages, volunteer in our community, even wave at our neighbors, but it seems like a monotonous effort.
We get tired. We get discouraged. We think about quitting, or at least resigning ourselves to things never changing for the better.
And Paul, who had many reasons for quitting or resigning to indifference himself, writes these powerful words that lift our eyes to see the eternal significance of our work:
"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
God works on an eternal timetable. He is not limited by our discouragement because of how long it's taking for our labor to pay off. He's always working to accomplish His purposes for our lives, and what seems like "forever" to us is just a drop in the bucket for Him. He's patient, purposeful, and precise at working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
When you feel like giving up: Be Steadfast.
When you feel like retreating: Be Immovable.
When you feel like holding back: Be Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord.
It's worth it. Doing good as Jesus does is not a wasted investment. God sees your labor. God sees your efforts. God sees your FAITH in Him and He is happy with you. Trust Him.
And when we are laboring in our own strength and wisdom, remember, Jesus did what was good anointed and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. If Jesus, God as a Human, needed the Holy Spirit, how much more do we?
So, when we feel like giving up, it's time to find our courage, our strength, our hope in the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Ask for it. Believe for it. Receive it. Every day.
I think that's what Good Labor looks like. I hope this encourages you.
God bless you as you follow Jesus today in the power of His Holy Spirit.
Grace & peace,
Keith
PS: I am not planning on retiring anytime soon. Just thought I'd clarify that for anyone who might be wondering. 😁