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

I came across an Instagram account of a child with nearly a million followers. It’s not uncommon, but it still baffles me that young kids are able to attain what so many are working for: mega popularity. You don’t need me to tell you that in today’s currency, popularity = value. We feel it all the time, even those of us who know our value is rooted in Christ.  

Although social media clearly didn’t exist at the time Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, their culture was much like ours. Corinth was the Los Angeles or Las Vegas of the day. Pleasure was paramount. Morals were loose. Greed was their fuel. They valued impressive speakers and status.  

It’s within this cultural context that Paul calls the Corinthian Christians to stop embracing the world’s value system and live differently. Knowing how difficult this is for these new believers, who are undoubtedly growing weary of swimming against the strong Corinthian current, he lovingly exhorts them to persevere.

 Specifically, he wants them:

1. To be steadfast: to ground themselves in the gospel, firmly and solidly
2. To be immovable: not to be swayed by people or circumstances
3. To abound in the work of the Lord: to be outstanding and excel in every task God calls them to.

 Easier said than done. Thankfully, these exhortations graciously come with bonus motivation:  Because God raised Christ from the dead, and the Christian’s destiny is to be with Christ, their labor for him is never in vain (kenos, which refers to being useless or devoid of any value). Being steadfast, immovable, and abounding in the work of the Lord matters forever. Unlike the world around them, it has eternal value.

 This concept would be as backward in the Corinthian culture as it is in ours today. I’m not sure where it lands with you. Because from bird’s-eye view, it can seem a simple notion that the Christian, whose eternal destiny is with Christ, can have the assurance that a life lived his way is eternally useful and valuable. Therefore, pray instead of party. Be charitable instead of cheating others. Okay, we’re done here.

But in the nitty-gritty mess of daily life, and within the valleys of disappointment, loss, and perpetual sacrifice, I don’t think it’s always so easy to stand firm upon this promise and endure in this lifestyle. If it was easy, Paul wouldn’t have to remind us.

Truthfully, I often feel my obedience is a waste of time, my efforts a misuse of energy, my sacrifice a depletion of my resources. That by standing firm I’m missing out and I would be better off just pursuing (and admittedly, often do) what makes me happy in the moment. Because by all appearances, that is reality.  

 And yet, it’s not reality, even though it so often feels that way. I know this because there was a time - where by all appearances - Christ’s defeat was reality. It looked like evil had won. The temporal would triumph. But it didn’t. Jesus is alive, his victory is sure. That changes everything. It gives us something different to focus on. Because Christ’s victory is sure, so is mine and yours, when you trust in him. Maybe it doesn’t look like we think it will; in fact, it usually doesn’t. That’s what makes it special and lasting.  

 And so I’m choosing, again (and will need to re-choose this daily), to stake my life on this promise, despite how I feel. We all can. Whether we’re moms or missionaries, teachers or trainers, students or CEOs, we can choose to reject the lie that living and laboring for the Lord, remaining steadfast and immovable, is bonkers. Of no value. Useless. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we can have absolute assurance that even the most unseen, undervalued, underrated tasks are enduringly valuable. That the costly sacrifice is forever useful. That our quiet and steadfast work will produce a resounding and eternal melody. That when we work in the Lord – "under his direction and by his influence" (Clarke) – it matters forever. Where else can we get this guarantee?

In what area are you growing weary of laboring in the Lord, and how does Paul’s message inspire you to endure?

How are you pursuing the temporal and what steps will you take to refocus on the victory of Christ?