Living for the Lord

Someone once said, “Keeping promises when it’s convenient is easy, but easy never did count for much.” Every Christian has made a promise, entering into a relationship with Christ and committing to serving Him with integrity. We should acknowledge together that convenience isn’t part of the Christian package. Living for the Lord is not an easy life.

We know Christ prepared His followers for harsh treatment on many occasions (Mark 13:13; Luke 6:22-23; John 15:18-20). He said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” (Matt 10:24-25). The name Beelzebub comes from a false god of the Ekronites and means “the god of flies.” In Jesus’ day, the Jews had taken to using this term as a way of referring to Satan as the ruler of filth and the demonic. If men were willing to call Jesus by this contemptible title, then we shouldn’t be surprised when they turn against us.

It is for this reason the New Testament urges us to remain strong and active. Paul wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). Notice the terms employed by the apostle here. Work describes an act of toil, a busy undertaking which requires exertion. Labor describes the pain associated with the expense of great efforts. What’s Paul’s point? Christianity is not easy. Living for the Lord takes commitment (Gal 2:20). However, we can confidently and joyfully give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. The teaching of the New Testament is that suffering for righteous-ness’ sake can help to center our focus and strengthen our faith (Rom 8:16-17; 1 Pet 1:6-7; 4:1-2; Jam 1:2-4). We take heart because our toil is worthwhile, counting toward the heavenly and the eternal reward (Matt 5:11-12; Php 2:14-16; Col 3:23-25).

In writing to Timothy, Paul noted how all who desire to live for the Lord will face persecution (2 Tim 3:12). Yet, even as he lists some of what he endured, he triumphantly declares, “out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Tim 3:10-11). Surely our God is stronger than any earthly force or any effort of Satan to oppose the righteous (Rom 8:31; 1 Jn 4:4). It is true we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us, having been given all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:37; Eph 1:3). Today and every day, may we remember who we serve. May we keep our promise to live for the Lord, even and especially through hard times.