Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Paul was encouraging the Christians in Corinth to live consistently in their faith, living and serving the Lord because Jesus is alive, resurrected, ascended to heaven and is coming again. This is for us today especially in these days with many secularistic, humanistic, materialistic, and as someone said, of many 'plastic' faces "people pretending to be Christians".
The example of a consistent life and practice is Daniel, in the Old Testament portion of the Bible as the true child of God. He was tried and tested, but he remained loyal in trusting, praying, and serving the living God. Consistency means steadiness, stability, constancy, faithfulness, and being unchanging. We should have consistency in our spiritual conviction in all Christian faith based on the Word of God, the Bible, and in Jesus Christ, as we have known and experienced Him as our Lord and Savior. Without this way of Christian living, people will doubt whether they are genuine believers of Jesus Christ. This leads us even to the door own spiritual status.
To have consistency is a personal decision to have and live with for God and for ourselves. With it we are blessed:
• It assures us of our relationship with God, enjoying assured access to Him in our prayers.
• It assures our identity as true followers of Jesus Christ.
• It gives us strength to resist temptation and sin.
• It gives us confidence in sharing our faith to others with trustworthiness.
• it gives us a greater sense of service to the Lord with purposeful responsibility coupled with accountability.
• It motivates people to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• it inspires us to always be abounding in the work of the Lord who is always consistent to bless and reward us for our determined consistency in our living and service to Him.
Let us enjoy these blessings of God for our faithfulness in Him and His purpose for us.
Reflect
1. Are we living a consistent life in Christ?
2. Is there some attempt to go with the flow of worldly temptation?
3. What must we do in order to enjoy God's abundant blessings?
Remember
Paul tells us that because of the resurrection of Jesus, our work in Christ is not useless. Sometimes, we become concerned about serving the Lord because we don't see any result. Our knowledge that Christ has won the ultimate victory should affect the way we live right now. Don't be discouraged of apparent lack of results to keep you from doing the work of the lord diligently as you have opportunity.
Read
2 Peter 3:14; Philippians 1:10, 2:15; Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 3:8; Hebrews 10:36
Pray
Father in heaven, thank You for the life of apostle Paul, that as he encouraged the Christians in Corinth to live with consistency in their faith, we are also encouraged to be strong in our faith as we continue serving You. May You find us faithful until You come. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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