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. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Being a spouse, parent, child, employee, neighbor, etc. in specific cultures automatically demands a set of responsibilities in some circumstances while it creates a set of expectations in others. These expectations can drive us openly to perform or motivate us subtly. The continuous drive to perform is most emphasized in the lives of believers as we seek to please God who gave us His all. We want to please Him by giving Him our all. Unfortunately, service to God (who we cannot see) is only material when it is in service to man (who can see and is mostly ungrateful :))
This dichotomy causes resentment and frustration as we yearn to pour out our lives in gratitude to the Lord by doing and giving and serving, but the people He asks us to give to and do for and serve often do not see, do not care or are ungrateful. Today's Scripture from 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us that we are giving ourselves to the work of the Lord. Whether it is a ministry or secular work, whether it is to family, friend, or foe - you are working for the Lord. Give yourself fully, don't hold back. Give your time. Give your talent, give your resources. Stop checking to see who noticed, who commends you or affirms your worth. I know, easier said than done. You are not serving a man, you are serving the Lord. Let go of the resentment and the murmuring and complaining.
Your work will be rewarded and your labor is not in vain. There is the hope of heaven. God knows and He sees, and He promises you the crown of life. Do you believe it? If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19 But our hope is in heaven; our reward is yet to come. Rest if you must, beloved, but don't you quit!
