1 Corinthians 15:58 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.
Today’s verse comes at the end of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians and wraps up some extensive teaching on the resurrection of the believers, something we all have to look forward to. After having taught them of the future glory that awaited them, the verse also served as a reminder that they needed to stand firm and strong in their beliefs. It encouraged these early Christians with a message of hope and faith.
No matter what message Paul brings to the early believers, we know it is brought to them from deep love and great emotion, and probably includes a healthy dose of frustration. Though he may seem a bit rough at times and very straightforward, Paul always addressed his readers in a loving, caring manner. Here we see him call them dear brothers and sisters but in other translations we see beloved brethren used. Not only does Paul correct and instruct them, but he shows that he cares, too (even when it seems like all he is doing is yelling in his writing).
And he recognized the growing faith of this church. He corrected any false teachings that had been shared and then gave a lengthy lesson on the resurrection. He wanted these baby believers to grow in their faith and to trust in Him for all of their needs. He saw their hunger to know more and responded through his epistle to give them the insight and knowledge needed to understand and move forward in faith.
That hunger to know more, to learn, to share it with others…. That is what I long for and look for each day. I want to be a follower who stands firm, rooted in my faith in Christ, unmoving in the face of attack or temptation. Join me in praying this for your own life. And know that we labor not in vain but live for Him.
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