Sometimes we may feel that much of what we do in this life is for nothing...pointless…of no real value; and indeed, much is vain…

 King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.  Therefore, I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”

God’s word, however, promises us that all that is done for Christ will last. All that is truly done for His glory will endure. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Everything in this temporal life is passing away and will not last, but all that is done by Jesus and for Jesus will be rewarded-in this life and in the life to come.  “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10) The Lord’s promise to the believer is that “Our Father which seeth in secret shall reward us openly.”

Be encouraged. Live for God as fervently as you can in this life.  Serve Him by faith and sincere love, knowing that the Lord is able to “keep that which you have committed unto Him against that day.”  Amy Carmichael, missionary to India declared, “We have all eternity to celebrate the victories but only a few hours before sunset to win them.”  Missionary to China, C.T. Studd, wrote in his poem, “Only one life twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”  Saints of God keep your eyes on the prize! “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27).

In Christ, Randy Currier