Your Labor Is Not In Vain
The first Monday in September is a federal holiday set aside to recognize and honor the American worker. Many will celebrate with picnics, weekend getaways, or simply a well-deserved day of rest.
When I was in the workforce, taking an extra day off often meant returning to an overwhelming amount of work. At times, it felt as though the time off wasn't worth the catch-up that followed.
However, spiritual labor is different. In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, the apostle Paul addresses the church, saying, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”
Paul had recently been imprisoned in Philippi, yet he continued to preach the gospel in Thessalonica, encouraging the saints despite constant obstacles. He was not seeking fame, money, or human approval. His message was pure, sound, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He refused to compromise for a "feel good" message, living out Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation."
As a church body, we are incredibly thankful for those who labor among us and guide us, as Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:12. Thank you to the Bridge of Hope family and leaders who work daily for the gospel of Christ.
Please never feel that your efforts are insignificant or unnoticed. God keeps a record for both the saints of old and for this generation working in His vineyard.
As 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, un moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Blessings,
Carol Johnson
Senior Citizen Pastor
When I was in the workforce, taking an extra day off often meant returning to an overwhelming amount of work. At times, it felt as though the time off wasn't worth the catch-up that followed.
However, spiritual labor is different. In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, the apostle Paul addresses the church, saying, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”
Paul had recently been imprisoned in Philippi, yet he continued to preach the gospel in Thessalonica, encouraging the saints despite constant obstacles. He was not seeking fame, money, or human approval. His message was pure, sound, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He refused to compromise for a "feel good" message, living out Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation."
As a church body, we are incredibly thankful for those who labor among us and guide us, as Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:12. Thank you to the Bridge of Hope family and leaders who work daily for the gospel of Christ.
Please never feel that your efforts are insignificant or unnoticed. God keeps a record for both the saints of old and for this generation working in His vineyard.
As 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, un moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Blessings,
Carol Johnson
Senior Citizen Pastor
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