We were standing in line waiting to order lunch at an amusement park cafe. There was a woman in front of us trying to juggle two small children and wondering aloud what had happened to her husband and third child. I'm sure she was also wondering how she was going to hang on to the two very active children and manage to get everyone's tray of food. Finally, she spotted her husband outside the cafe. "Will you save my spot in line," she pleaded. "Sure," I replied. A few moments later she returned, this time without the kids (she had turned them over to the dad) and visibly less frazzled. There was an older couple in front of her that also saw the whole thing and comment that they had once been in her shoes. "It is all worth it," the elderly man said, "they grow up so quick, but it is all worth it."
Sometimes when we are juggling life, trying to serve God, and just hoping to make it through the day, we wonder if it all is worth it. Like the elderly man's encouragement to that young mom, the Apostle Paul encourages each of us in 1 Corinthians 15. He says "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (v58). How can you and I have the assurance that it is all worth it? We know our labor is not in vain when it is centered on the gospel, which Paul defines as the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (vv3-4).We know that our labor is not in vain when we have the hope of the resurrection (vv12-49). We know our labor will be worth it when we one day see Christ reigning over all things (vv20-28). It will all be worth it when death is defeated once and for all (vv50-57) and we receive new glorified bodies (vv39-45). But don't get side tracked--the wrong kind of associates can derail you from a life of purpose (vv33-34). So, no matter how discouraged you may be today, remember, "it's all worth it" when your life is centered on Christ.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.
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