...Unmovable

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, had to encourage them. He said. “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 Cor. 15:58, ESV. What the great apostle realized is that we are in a real spiritual battle that has real world, eternal consequences.

I am concerned that so few take their responsibility before God seriously. That so many are consumed by the affairs of this life they fail to recognize those very real eternal realities that exist. That so many live wasted lives spent on insignificant fodder of the foolish.

If you are discouraged today, and there’s a good possibility of many who are, it’s likely that your gaze has drifted from the eternal to the temporal. The material world, although real, is a shadow of what’s eternal. That’s why we must learn to keep our focus on the eternal.

The Apostle Paul was always working, praying in tongues, fighting the good fight, writing letters to edify the church (and us). He was a busy man who kept himself busy. In Proverbs 16:27, TLB, it says, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.”

Yes, laziness is the place where many fail in their spiritual walk. Rather than appreciating the gift of life and time, many waste their lives and time on foolish endeavors. Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t enjoy our lives and have fun. Far be it from suggesting it. Rather, I’m saying we should always remember to work in our Father’s business.

Jesus did that. From before twelve years of age, he couldn’t help but want to sit amongst the doctors of the law: “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Lk. 2:46, NIV. But to be able to sit with them, He must have really known what He was talking about. That tells us that Jesus, far from spending time frolicking around like children do, He spent time studying scripture.

The spiritual life isn’t for the fainthearted or lazy. Rather, it’s for the determined, those who choose to be steadfast in their faith and unmovable in their minds.

Jesus’s study of scripture made Him a formidable force in the earth. And we wonder why Jesus was able to do what He did. He studied. He learned. Scripture says, He “grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” Lk. 2:52, NLT.

That’s what it takes. The spiritual life isn’t for the fainthearted or lazy. Rather, it’s for the determined, those who choose to be steadfast in their faith and unmovable in their minds. We can’t live strong for God by being wimpy Christians.

It’s time to get our big boy or big girl pants on, recognize that our time on earth is limited and get as busy as possible in God’s work as we can. Like I tell my congregation, if you don’t know what to do, find something good to do and do it.

Yes, go to your pastor and ask him if there’s anything that he needs. Be at prayer all you can while you can at the church God’s called you to. Give, always give. Don’t be a busybody or gossip about other people. Live a holy life squarely fit in the center of God’s word and will. If people come along with strange doctrines and beliefs, don’t spend time with them; avoid them.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”. Col. 3:23, NIV. “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Col. 3:24, NLT.

- Scott Wallis