Keep On Laboring
Submitted by Frank Williams
September 2, 2024
2Co 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Motivations are impulses that keep us going. As Christians, we can’t quit or retire from serving the Lord—even though life is not always easy or comfortable. In the Gospel ministry, Paul often found conflict, but he continued on.
We may face confrontations in our family, on the job, and even in church. Spiritual warfare is a reality. Men and devils will try to hinder our Christian walk and service.
What kept Paul going? Three motivations are found in 2 Cor 5:11-15.
First, in verse 11—The terror of the Lord. God is Holy and will judge sin. His wrath is already upon unbelievers and is to be feared (John 3:36). Knowing this motivated Paul to keep preaching the Gospel. He knew the Gospel was the way of escape.
Second, in verse 14. The love of Christ constrained him. It compelled him, pressed him forward, as in a crowd of moving people. Love motivated the Father to give His only begotten Son. Love motivated the Son to come and lay down His life as a ransom for all. (I Tim 2:6; Luke 19:10).
Missionary George Green (1907—37 years in Nigeria) “When I first went out to my mission field in Africa, the boat carried me up a wide, beautiful river flowing through the jungle, and as the sun set and the night came on, I listened with much misgiving to the roll of the war drums. They continued far into the night. The captain of the boat was uneasy and tried to dissuade me from going ashore the next morning, and I admit I was trembling with fear, But I found that ‘the Lord standeth within the shadows keeping watch above His own.’ After years of delightful labor I left the jungle on the same boat. As it came down the river, thousands of these same natives gathered on the shores near their villages to say farewell. As the boat came into sight, they broke into song, but not a war song. They were singing the hymn that is a favorite of most of them, ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.’”
The love of Christ for the lost motivated Missionary Green, even in the midst of fear.
Third, verse 15. Simply stated, we are not our own. We are not saved simply to enjoy salvation, but we are saved for the purpose of spreading the Gospel to others.
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Consider – Keep on laboring!
