Vain Labor

Ever had one of these days? You mop the floor then watch as the dog comes inside with muddy paws and tracks up all your efforts. You vacuum then watch as your 2 year old crushes a cracker right in the middle of the living room floor and gleefully proceeds to sling the crumbs as far as he/she can. You get all the clothes washed, folded and put away only to discover the laundry baskets are almost full again.

This is what I call "laboring in vain" because it seems that no matter what we do, there is always someone coming along behind us UN-doing everything. Things are looking great one minute and the next, you are right back where you started. Sure makes a gal (or a guy) want to throw up our hands and shout, "What's the use??"

Now, we moms can probably relate to this on a domestic level but I want to expand this to our jobs (guys AND gals) and to our spiritual life. Sometimes we just don't think we'll ever get ahead. You get one fire put out and three more pop up. You get one weak area of your life under control only to have another area scream for attention. You get one issue resolved just in time to deal with two more. So what's our motivation to keep going?

"Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. 15:57-58


Yes, it sounds simple enough but when you're in the trenches of your life and frustration is mounting, it is hard to keep these words in mind. That's why I have them written on an index card and taped to my desk. When I shift my focus from working for myself to working for the Lord, things begin to come into perspective. And if I'm not doing it for the Lord, then my frustration is self-made and I need to refocus.

So, whatever you do, do for the Lord and your labor will not be in vain. I sure am hoping, though, that there won't be muddy floors, nasty carpets or dirty laundry in heaven. I think I'll ask for the mansion that comes with a maid...