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 — The New International Version (NIV)
If you look around you and observe what is going on in the world today, you might feel so powerless and easily get hopeless. Why pay too much attention to the world in the first place? The scripture says “The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever.” (1 John 2:17). Rather than weary yourself out with the world’s affairs, the Bible has a prescription for us to do the will of God and carry out His purposes.
God has given us the Victory
In 1 Corinthians 15:57, the scripture says God has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. What does that mean to you? We are not passing away with the world. What defeats those who have set their minds on the things of the world cannot overcome us. We are not a people seeking refuge, we have a sure and steadfast anchor in the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s promises are yes and amen on our behalf. We have an anchor that keeps our soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm, and deep in the Savior’s love.
Stand Firm in the Victory
No wonder, the Apostle Paul could say “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.” Stand firm, be resolute in your faith, and no changing of mind. Jesus is enough for you now and forever. Let nothing move you away from what you have believed and stood for in the Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t give up your precious faith in the Lord for anything this glamorously deceptive and passing world has to offer. It is all empty promises and fading allure. To stand firm is to refuse to back down; remain solid under criticism or attack; outbrave, resist bravely; hold off. Nothing in this world has ever stood the test of time, nothing in this world has a true value; it’s all fleeting and momentary. Nothing in this world is worth your soul.
Get fully Engaged for the Lord
If you do not stand firm, it will be difficult to heed the next counsel: Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord… Some other translation says, “always excelling in the work of the Lord” (NRSV, HCSB), or “Always work enthusiastically for the Lord” (NLT). The antidote to worldly affairs is to have no space for nothing else than the work of the Lord; preoccupy yourself completely and enthusiastically with the assignment God has for you, with whatever your hands find to do for the Lord. Get busy for the Lord, and get engrossed in God’s Kingdom service and business. Remember those words in Luke 19:13 – And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Expect a Bountiful Reward
Why should you give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord? The scripture says, “because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”. Do you know that for real? How deep is that knowledge in you? Another translation says, “You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless” (GW). It is impossible to give yourself all out in service to the Lord if you don’t know what becomes of your effort, time and sacrifices. But we know what becomes of our labors, they will be bountifully rewarded both here and, in the life to come in heaven.
So, then, brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone move you off the foundation ⸤of your faith⸥. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
