58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
The devil of Monday is in full swing. In ministry, Mondays are extra dastardly because they fall after Sunday which of course is primetime. In Mondays we find a spiritual hangover that kicks and claws into the physical and spiritual lives of the faithful. It of course is not always like this; in many ways, we live for Sundays. When you go into ministry, you learn to love that span of 24 hours. But they are difficult nonetheless. Pastors can be some of the most insecure workers in the field and this can flow into the way we view spiritual accomplishment. The more you dig into faith, the easier it is to lose it.
Follow Jesus for any amount of time and you are sure to come to the conclusion that to do so with any level of depth, one must build an iron backbone. One must have the unflinching resolution that every choice is spiritual and every decision, however mundane, will yield glory to God or man. It is to shout into the abyss of life with confidence in being heard. Perhaps this is why the Biblical authors put such stock in this idea of being “steadfast”. On Monday, it is easy to throw your hands up and look past any movement. Christ followers never switch course or run to something more attractive but roll up their sleeves in humility to help make right what man made wrong. The three most encouraging and frustrating words in our faith are simply: don’t. give. up.
Today, your work is not in vain. Some may criticize and pressure you to waver but don’t. Abound in the day He has granted you. Do not let the world and it’s shallow cares move you. May the words of a determined Joshua ring in your ears past the hangover: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Lord, quicken our courage and renew our soul. Breathe a new life into our day as we seek to find and love you more fully.
Matt simon blog 