Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor. 15:58 – NASB95)
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
(Col. 3:23-24 – NASB95)
According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains,
he will receive a reward.
(1 Cor. 3:10-14 – NASB95)
Today we had yet another memorial service for one of our church members who graduated to glory. It was a wonderfully encouraging time as we celebrated the life of Corinne “Corky” Miller. She served the Lord faithfully and now she is in His presence with so many other people we know and love. Reflecting upon that took my mind to the verses above that focus on working hard for the Lord now while we have the opportunity. The day is coming when our work will be done and the Lord will reward us in ways we can’t even imagine.
But notice some of the key words that I highlighted with bold print. Steadfast = not subject to change or variation. Immovable = unshakable; cannot be moved. Abounding = large quantities. Work = things I have a moral obligation to do. Toil = hard work to the point of exhaustion. Heartily = literally “from the soul” or from the depth of my being; giving it my all. Careful = watchful; vigilant; prepared to respond appropriately. Quality = what sort of work it is. If I add in Eph. 2:8-10 and Titus 2:11-14 I realize that my motivation for working so hard is God’s amazing grace.
Because of all that Jesus has accomplished on my behalf, I am compelled to keep on serving Him no matter what kind of opposition I may face. My desire is to do large quantities of work flowing from the depth of my being even to the point of exhaustion. But I realize that ultimately God is concerned with the quality of my work as evidenced by pure motives and excellence.
What is most encouraging is that ALL OF US have equal opportunity to receive rewards. Private, quality acts of service will be rewarded as much as deeds done in front of large crowds. Those teaching a class of 5 children will be rewarded as much as those preaching to 5,000. The intercessions of elderly shut-ins will be rewarded as much as the evangelistic efforts of foreign missionaries. A cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name will not lose its reward.
Corky chose to serve her Lord and Savior with quantity and quality. I’m sure there were times when it wasn’t convenient and/or it was very costly, but right now she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Her faith has become sight; the promise has become reality. Like those in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith, she reminds us to trust God and devote ourselves to radical obedience.
Below is a poem I have shared with you before. I stir you up by way of reminder. Go for it. Make your life count for eternity.
Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill.
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.