1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].
Whatever has a beginning definitely has an end. Whatever has an origin definitely has a destination too. These truths apply to all of life and we will do well to grasp and embrace these, so that we can apply our hearts to true wisdom. It is pointless to seek schemes that promise you 'endless life' on this side of eternity and in this fallen, human container. That position does not line up with God's very express position that this earthly phase is but temporary, and would one day give way to that which is eternal. The entire chapter from where the verse above is taken also makes that clear, as it looks at the resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of the hope that all who are in Jesus would also enjoy the benefits of resurrection. Because of Christ, we have hope. Because of his death and life, we know that, even if death comes down here, it is but a phase into the life of God that cannot end, because it does not owe its existence to any source. He is Life, and is the source and origin of life for all.
It is this hope that underpins the position laid down in the verse above. What can give a man confidence to hold on in the face of very uncomfortable circumstances, unless this person knows that the circumstances are just temporary, and one day soon, things will change? How can a man keep holding on for an entire lifetime, sometimes not even getting hold of whatever it was he was expecting, but confident, by faith, that whatever was ahead was far greater and better than whatever he could have received on earth? It also helps that the verse above is addressed to people Paul refers to as brethren; people who share a common affinity with Christ and are headed in the same direction. There is nothing this world can give me that will provide sufficient comfort if one loses eternity with God. I keep an eye on making impact down here, and at the same time, not forgetting that this earthly phase is but preparation for eternity.
The seed of eternity is sown in the faithful discharge and discipline of my earthly responsibilities. I focus on what I have been called, gifted and planted to do. That is all I can control, as I do not have power over your own reaction or response to what i do or how I do it. I understand fully who I am working for and the reward that I am working for, and that is sufficient motivation for me. There is a promise by God in the verse above, that my labour in the Lord is never wasted. Reflect on that: if I work for the Lord, it does not matter what the quality or quantity of the opposition or resistance to me is. He just tells me to focus on my assignment; His assessment of me as well as the release of the allocation that is linked to my assignment would be all that matters. I know who I am and whose I am. It is critical that I am IN Christ at all times so that all I do is done with His blessing and approval. Why seek to impress someone who will also face judgment, like me? I keep my eye on the eternal prize. That is all that counts. God's time of favour is here.
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