“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
Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:33-34; 50-57
Christians are steadfastly resolved, in heart and mind, to serve Jesus. Serving Jesus is not decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances, but serving Him no matter what the day brings. Next, we are immovable; stubbornly prepared to serve Jesus rather than being swayed by the impulses and temptations of the world. Finally, we are always abounding in the work of the Lord doing all that is required of us with joy. We are not parsimonious (ungenerous) in our work, or sullen in our attitude but are abounding in the work of the Lord knowing He has supplied and is supplying all our needs.
“Wait”, you might be protesting, “I don’t experience this!” Have you dedicated yourself fully in service to God, or are you 75% God’s and 25% serving yourself? Look at your life and consider what kind of fruit you are bearing. If you are selfish, worldly, or toying with being okay with your peers six days a week and one day a week appearing to be Christian, then you are not fully trusting in Jesus.
It is good to sort this out now, before Jesus returns. If your conscience is tweaked, turn to God in prayer, asking Him to reveal what has priority in your life and what you need to get rid of. Is there something you love more than God? If you protest that God is demanding too much, then be warned, the coldness that is taking over your heart is a sign you are drifting far from Him.
Suggestions for prayer
Call on the Spirit of the LORD to prepare you for Sunday so that you honestly confess your sins, are open to what the preacher teaches you, and are primed to put into practice what you hear.
Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com