Our Work is not in Vain

1 Corinthians 15:58

I set up my desk just a few weeks ago, and pulled out a paper weight with some words on it and placed it in a spot that wasn’t too different from the last place this paper weight sat in Langham, Saskatchewan. I was completely oblivious to the words on that rock in that moment and in every moment since I first received it as a gift years ago. It has just sat there staring me in the face, with me being completely oblivious to the inscription on it.

…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)

In one sense it has accomplished what the verse speaks to… STAND FIRM. It has stood there firmly for years and has not moved from its place on my desk. But Paul was not speaking about paper weights; rather, he was exhorting believers not to miss the purpose that God has for them.

This encouragement is for you and me today as we enter into the grind of the fall season. As

Christians, we are standing in the victory won by Christ and moving forward steadily in the work that God has set before us. It was a helpful reminder to me to actually see the mundane on my desk as greatly purposeful if I gave it the attention it deserved.

The work set before you today deserves purposeful attention too. Maybe you are coming to your desk, your favorite chair or reading this before the chaos of the day begins, and all you see ahead of you is work… meaningless work. May we be reminded that even the most routine tasks are not accomplished in vain if our labor is done in the name of the Lord.

Jesus, my work is for you today.

Use it as you see fit.

-Associate Pastor Matt Oliver