Not in Vain

By: Jeff Moorehead

Do you ever wonder if what you do for the Lord in ministry really matters? Does my involvement help? Does it count? Am I really making a difference?

My two favorite verses in the Bible are these: “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57–58).

I love the last phrase: “knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” Did you know that? God clearly tells you your involvement matters, you make a difference, and “God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints” (Hebrews 6:10).

The truth is, even though you will go unnoticed on occasion, get overlooked, and be underappreciated at times, “your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” The “work of the Lord” can and will be draining, difficult, and demanding, but again “your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 

What an incredible promise this is. Your ministry is meaningful, fruitful, and noticed by the One who matters the most, so keep doing the “work of the Lord.”

• Your prayers are quietly, but profoundly, assisting another brother or sister in need.

• Your love lightens another’s burden and encourages them to keep pressing on.

• Your forgiveness frees someone from a guilt-ridden offense.

• Your greeting makes someone feel accepted and welcome.

• Your teaching motivates a child, student, or adult to see how great God is in their life.

• Your organization helps keep a ministry in order.

• Your sensitivity notices an overlooked need.

• Your financial assistance helps supply a lack.

• Your visit brings encouragement to someone’s life.

• Your card or note helps someone see that God cares and so do you.

• Your willingness to step in and help provides for an absent worker.

• Your voice or musical skill helps enhance our worship.

• Your servant attitude is a motivating example for others to follow.

• Your specialized skill helps support our technical and financial management.

• Your counsel gives insight into how to help overcome a nagging problem.

And the list of your works goes on. You see, it truly matters what you and I do, and God has blessed us to be a blessing to others.

Therefore, remember the “always” word in 1 Corinthians 15:58 and “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

Thanks for serving with us and each other.