Asides

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

There is a kind of work that fails to satisfy.  This is not to say that such work isn’t helpful, or even necessary, on some level. 

If we are to engage in the kind of work that endures beyond our years, and that satisfies us at the core of our being; it must be work that is motivated by our desire to give glory to God.  Any work — no matter how menial — that is undertaken in obedience to God; or that is rendered as a service to God is never in vain.

If your work seems pointless, ask yourself: “What is the point?”  – Luther

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“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. ‘” (Matthew 19:14, NIV) 

There is much the disciple of Jesus can learn from a child: Humility, a readiness to learn, and a natural attraction to the One who loves them.

When was the last time you approached the dawning day as young children do: With openness, wonder, enthusiasm, and joy?

When was the last time you approached our Lord as the children, in today’s scripture reading, did: Desiring only to be near Him?

Do not fear or suppress the child within you.  “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  – Luther

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“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.” (Romans 15:13, Phillips New Testament) 

Does your whole life and outlook radiate with hope?

Our Lord, through Paul, sets forth this worthy goal for us with full confidence that it is — with the help of the Holy Spirit — eminently achievable.  As followers of Christ, dare we say no?  – Luther 

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