PENTECOST XIV

September 3, 2023

“Your Labor is Not in Vain” 

“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”   

The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the  Corinthians, 15:58      

Time after time, we find ourselves devoting time and energy to a project, a task, or on behalf of something that is important to us, only to end up wondering if the end result was worth all that effort.  The whole thing may have gone poorly, been a total flop, or not turned out at all as we had hoped.  And we couldn’t have planned for the failure or prevented the disappointment, because not everything is within our control.  I believe this is what’s broadly referred to as a “life lesson.”  Or as some might say, “another class in the school of hard knocks.”       

The many letters to newly-formed congregations written by the Apostle Paul include references to work, labor, persistence and faithfulness as he supports and encourages them in their new lives as believers in Christ.  These little groups certainly had their work cut out for them, as they were learning more about the teachings of Jesus, how to live according to those teachings, and then how to share that good news with others.  They were working out how to function as congregations, sharing in worship and supporting one another in their faith journeys.  Some were strong opinionated leaders, others were more comfortable as followers, and all were experiencing some degree of uncertainty as they found their way.     

Paul could easily be acknowledged as the first motivational speaker in history.  He wasn’t just a cheerleader, as it’s easy to assume, because these letters incorporate encouragement, instruction, and, when necessary, correction.  He spoke of the importance of clearly understanding what was and was not appropriate conduct among the believers, that differences needed to be worked out respectfully and honestly, and to draw strength and unity from the central message of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  Paul further reminded the people that they were inspired and strengthened by the Holy Spirit to be God’s people throughout their region, even in the face of persecution.    

“We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”   Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, 1:2-3     

This Labor Day weekend, as we acknowledge the value and importance of all working people, we remember the many forms of work that have made great differences in our lives.  So many conveniences are now commonplace that it’s easy to forget what great changes have taken place in just a couple of generations.  And yet there’s still a great need for some pretty old-fashioned work — “works of faith and labors of love.”  As we find ways to feed the hungry in our midst, as we send aid and comfort to those suffering in the face of wars and disasters, and as we advocate for the disenfranchised on the fringes of our communities, we continue in the example of love and service that has been set before us in centuries past, and which we are privileged to leave as a legacy for future generations.  

With gratitude and appreciation for all you hard workers,

Your friend in Christ,   

Mary Rogers