1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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.
The "therefore" comes after the glorious description of the resurrection (glorified state): from "perishable" to "imperishable," from "mortal" to "immortality" and the victory over death. Paul describes the blissful state of every true believer in the afterlife. With that in perspective, Paul urges his fellow believers to stand firm on this teachings of the glorious resurrection and that nothing should shake them from this truth of the hope of eternal life. With that eternal point of view, the believers are encouraged to always give themselves fully to the work of the Lord, because the labour done in the name of the Lord is never in vain.
Half-hearted service for God and people undermines the value of noble work. What motivates believers to labour for God should be the glorious resurrection of our souls (not money, status or a good name)! God promises to transform us into the glorious state of immortality.
God is not a debtor of anyone! He lavishes all the good blessings even to the most undeserved sinner. And so, when a person gives his/her labour for God, every action is counted and credited into his/her account. Though the world may fail to acknowledge one's works, it is never so with our God.
Prayer: Father God, thank you that you bless us and enrich our lives with more than what we deserve. Help us to be constantly reminded that you see us and you will reward us for all the good works we do in Christ Jesus, amen.
