What Victory Motivates
One of my favorite stories is what nineteenth-century circuit-riding preacher Peter Cartwright said to President Andrew Jackson.
Cartwright had a reputation for boldness. It was Sunday morning and Cartwright received word that President Andrew Jackson would be in the congregation. And he was warned about the need for diplomacy. When he stood to preach, he said, “I understand that Andrew Jackson is here. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks.” Then, he followed with this salvo: “Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn’t repent!”
The shocked congregation nearly had apoplexy! After the service, Jackson went straight to the preacher and said, “Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world!”
WOW, what boldness. Can you imagine the reaction if anyone said that to our president today?
As believers, God wants us to “be strong and courageous” like Nehemiah (Josh. 1:6–7, 9) and to “fight the good fight of faith” like Timothy (1 Tim. 6:12). Jesus set the standard when He “endured the cross, despising the shame” to win the victory at the cross (Heb. 12:2). And that victory is now our victory (“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57) and it demands some bold living.
What does this victory motivate? 1 Corinthians 15:58 lays it out clearly:
It motivates an unwavering steadfastness toward the Lord’s work (“be steadfast”): Be fixed and firm and focused on the victory Christ won and the mission He has given us to pursue.
It motivates an unshakable stubbornness in the Lord’s work (“immoveable”): Be like a spiritual rock that will not be moved by all the noise, distractions, temptations, and trials of life. Don’t let anything deter you from serving the Lord boldly.
It motivates an unlimited service to the Lord’s work (“always abounding in the work of the Lord”): Be faithful and lavishly give the Lord your best in time and effort. Don’t flake out.
It motivates an uncommon sacrifice for the Lord’s work (“knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord”): This “toil” (working to the point of exhaustion) is a “leave it all on the field” commitment. The Lord gave His all for us, so why shouldn’t we give our all for Him?
The best news about this kind of bold, victorious living is we always win. Don’t miss how verse 58 ends: Your ministry “is not in vain in the Lord.” It’s always worth it when it is for the Lord!
Pastor Jeff