Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
I remember a season in my life where I grew very weary in the work that I was doing as a pastor. Honestly, I lost my zeal and my passion to work. I was still coming to work, but there was no passion.
In those moments, I like to remind myself of why I do ministry and what I signed up for. At the end of the day, the reason I signed up to go into ministry is because one: I love people, and two: I want a vibrant relationship with Jesus while I'm serving people.
The Resurrection Gives Our Work Meaning
What I love about this verse is Paul has just given a detailed explanation of the resurrection. He says: "If Jesus didn't rise, then your faith is useless. Then there's no point of going to church. Might as well shut down every church, because Jesus didn't rise from the dead."
But he says He did, and because of that—because of the resurrection—our work has meaning and value.
Paul gives this detailed explanation of the resurrection. Then he starts in verse 58: "So in light of all that I shared about the resurrection, be strong and immovable.” Because of the resurrection, you and I have an anchor, and that anchor is Christ.
Always Work Enthusiastically
Then he says: "Always work enthusiastically for the Lord."
He says, "Always work." The word "always" really stuck out to me, because there have been seasons in my life where I'm not passionate and there is no enthusiasm. I have to remind myself that I'm a part of a bigger story. This is not about me.
When I put my hands to the work of the ministry—and here's what it means to minister: it simply means to serve. This is not just for pastors or teachers. No, this is for everybody. Whatever you do, if you do it unto the Lord, it's unto the Lord, and it matters to God.
Your Work Matters
I don't know where you find yourself today, but my encouragement to you is: don't throw in the towel because the assignment is tough. There's going to be seasons in your life where you're going to wonder, does my work really matter? Like, does it have any impact, especially in light of eternity?
Because all of us, we want to make a difference. We want our work to matter.
What I love about this verse is Paul says: "For you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
Other versions say: "Nothing is in vain."
I want to remind us today that your labor is not in vain, and God sees everything that you're doing.
Whatever Your Occupation
Whatever it is that you do every day—maybe you're a teacher, maybe you're a businessman, carpenter, whatever occupation you have—do it unto the Lord. When you do it unto the Lord, you have to remember: none of it is in vain, and your labor matters to God.
Our job is to simply be faithful where God has planted us. There's going to be seasons where God plants us in environments where we're like, this has nothing to do with my gifting. Lord, what are you doing?
Remember: nothing is wasted. Our job is to be faithful where God has placed us. We leave the results up to God.
