Consistent!

Scripture:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing  and  being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. (1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP)

Observation:

Paul concludes this letter with a summary, or closing exhortation.  Just as Judaism often linked failure to believe in the future world with immoral living, and faith in future judgment with perseverance, Paul encourages believers to hold to the truth of the resurrection and so to right living.  

Paul says that because of the resurrection, nothing we do is useless.  Sometimes we become apathetic about serving The Lord because we don't see any results.  Knowing that Christ has won the ultimate victory should affect the way we live right now.  Don't let discouragement over an apparent lack o results keep you from doing the work of The Lord enthusiastically as you have opportunity.

Application:

Motivation gets you going, discipline keeps you growing! The hallmark of excellence, the test of greatness is consistency! It doesn't matter how talented you are. It doesn't matter how many opportunities you receive. If you want to grow, consistency is key. In fact "you've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction."  

In our verse, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to be firm (steadfast, consistent), immovable, always abounding in the work of The Lord.  The next part really challenges me, "always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of The Lord."  The Holy Spirit is challenging us to be consistently consistent.  To be "second miler's" not just one milers.  It was Roman rule that a Jew had to walk one mile with a roman citizen if they came in contact with each other.  Jesus raised the stakes and said, "dont just walk one mile, walk two."  The first mile represents law, the second mile represents grace! We must stop dealing with people in LAW, and as a Christian, deal with them with GRACE.  

When we do this consistently, we can be sure that our work, labor, is not in vain, wasted or to no purpose!

It is the responsibility of the Christian to live consistent with the great Name he bears, with his profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the soldiers of Alexander the Great was called up to be court-martialed for desertion. 'What's your name?' asked the Commander of the Greek army. 'Alexander,' was the reply. 'Change your name or mend your manners,' said the Emperor.

Prayer:

"Lord, help me to walk consistently in all You have called me to do. I want to be a "second  miler" in everything that I do, and say, and in all that I am.  In Jesus' name, amen!"