Are you ready to go ALL-IN for God? What we do for the Lord is worthwhile! Most people are happy when they are striving for something worthwhile, something that has lasting value or personal benefit. Our Savior’s resurrection makes life worthwhile!
Tomorrow’s song list for Valley Fellowship Church services includes Israel Houghton and Jeremiah Woods’ “Rez Power”. We’ll be singing, “Oh clap your hands all ye people! And shout unto God; With a voice of triumph!” The second verse proclaims, “You are the hope of broken hearts. You overcame the grave to save humanity. Singing hallelujah! Jesus is alive!” I am encouraged by the lyrics. If you haven’t heard it, search youtube – it’s good! Resurrection power changes our approach to every aspect of life.
Jesus’ resurrection even changes the way we view our work for the Lord. In chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians, Paul defends and praises the incredible, redeeming benefits of Christ resurrection. The chapter concludes with a call to be ALL-IN for God’s kingdom:
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 HCSB
Resurrection causes present tense reality. Notice – Paul’s choice of present tense “labor IS not in vain”, rather than “labor will not be”. Our present life may be marked by struggle and striving, but we can EXCEL in the Lord’s work. The reality of the resurrection revolutionizes our present living.
Please, don’t mistake “Lord’s work” or “labor in the Lord” as the job description of a pastor or ministry professional. A pastor does labor with the special task “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12 NIV), but Paul’s charge is to everyone in Christ’s family. “Always excelling in the Lord’s work!”
Without the reality of the resurrection, work is meaningless. The Book of Ecclesiastes likely written by Solomon (a man who tasted of everything the world had to offer) gives us insight into life that loses focus. The Book repeatedly uses the word “vanity” (37 or 38 times) to sum up life, work, and pursuit. Hayford’s Bible Handbook (1995) says the negative message of Ecclesiastes serves as a contrast to New Testament principles:
- Life is fulfilling only when it is given away.
- Life in pursuit of excellence without sacrifice will ultimately disappoint.
- Life that is lived solely on the earth-plane breeds cynicism.
Paul’s command in 1 Corinthians 15:58 is the answer to Ecclesiastes’ “chasing after the wind”. Solomon laments life’s work; Paul shouts with a voice of triumph that life’s labor are worthwhile! Because of the resurrection, our labor in the Lord is NEVER in vain. Our work will be rewarded. Let’s go ALL-IN for God’s Kingdom.
