Be Outstanding

First Corinthians 15 is the Apostle Paul’s magnificent treatise on the resurrection. His conclusion to that great chapter is this: “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.” I like the way the New English Translation renders part of this verse. It says, “Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord.”

How would you describe your work in and for the Lord? Would you consider your church attendance outstanding? Do you consider your service towards others as not only good but outstanding? Is your love for your brothers and sisters in Christ outstanding? What about your giving? Or your willingness to suffer for righteousness? What of your commitment to share the gospel and be a light in the darkness to others? Jesus offers us an outstanding hope of eternal life—let that motivate us to outstanding service in His kingdom!

They Were in Trouble

Have you ever been in a tough situation, and instead of things improving, they worsened? While Such situations might not be pleasant, they can teach us important lessons. Primarily, such scenarios teach us that we need help. That was certainly true for ancient Israel. After living for centuries in slavery, they wanted freedom. But God didn’t whisk them away from Egypt immediately. In fact, God allowed their situation to get even worse.

When Moses confronted Pharaoh and demanded Israel be allowed to leave, Pharaoh didn’t just say “No.” He increased the workload for Israel. Exodus 5:19 says, “The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble…” Many times, with Israel, God allowed the nation to be tested and challenged. He allowed them to face trouble and trials. But this served to remind them how much they needed God. When you face trials and realize you are in trouble, turn to God and rely on Him. 

Humble Tasks

Romans 12 is filled with practical admonitions that can help guide our daily Christian walk. In verse 16 of that chapter, Paul writes, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” This verse emphasizes our attitudes and relationships, especially regarding humility or pride. God demands harmony amongst his people, and for there to be harmony, there must be humility. Humility strengthens our relationships and our love. It guides how we treat others. None should be considered beneath us. 

In the ESV, an interesting footnote suggests that the phrase “associate with the lowly” could be rendered as “give yourselves to humble tasks.” Humility impacts our relationships and actions. Don’t treat any task or service as too small or insignificant when working for the Lord. Always be willing to love others and stoop to whatever work needs to be done for the body of Christ.

When the Wicked Turns

Can people change? Sometimes, we give in to the belief that people are incapable of change. We are who we are. But God believes people can change—both the righteous and the wicked. In Ezekiel 33:18-19 God says, “When the righteous turns from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it. And when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he shall live by this.” 

Sadly, there are times when people who are faithful to the Lord choose to turn back to worldly and sinful ways. That change is possible, and all Christians should be wary of attitudes and decisions that might lead us to such an awful change. But the wicked can also change. The sinner can repent. The faithless can become faithful. God has always called the wicked to turn away from sin, and Jesus died so that such change can result in eternal life. 

Where Are You?

When Adam and Eve first ate the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness. In shame and fear, they tried to cover themselves and then tried to hide from God. As God walked in the garden, He called out to Adam, “Where are you?” Such a simple question, yet one pregnant with meaning. 

God, of course, knew where Adam and Eve were. And God knew what they had done. But His question forced Adam and Eve to consider their condition. Where were they? They were in a place of fear and shame. They were in rebellion and sin. They weren’t just hiding—they were lost, and only God could save them.

Where are you today? Are you faithfully striving to obey the Lord and thus safe within His grasp? Or are you lost—mired in the shame and fear of sin? As long ago, the Lord seeks you, and He alone can save you. 

Would You Love His Appearing?

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” Paul was not arrogant or self-righteous, but he could confidently claim he had faithfully served Jesus. Thus, he trusted Jesus’ promise to grant him an eternal reward. Paul used that great hope to exhort faithfulness in Timothy and all Christians. The reward Paul looked forward to is available to anyone who has loved the appearing of Jesus. 

Many hated Jesus’ first appearance, and many will be terrified of His return. But those who love Jesus and faithfully serve Him can look in anticipation, excitement, and love for His return. Do you love Jesus? Do you love what He did and accomplished? Would you love to see Him return today?

Because He Was Small in Stature

Everyone faces hindrances. Sometimes, we are hindered by mental or spiritual things. Other times, our hindrances may be physical. For example, Luke 19:3 says of Zacchaeus, “And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.” Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but couldn’t because he was short! But Zacchaeus did not let his disadvantage stop him. Instead, he found a sycamore tree to climb up to see Jesus. Now, this might seem like a trivial hindrance with an easy fix. But it still teaches us an important lesson.

All of us face any number of disadvantages. Health issues, past experiences, weaknesses, choices, and so many other things can threaten to keep us away from the Lord. But what will we do to overcome those hindrances? Will we make excuses, or like Zacchaeus, will our desire to be with the Lord be greater than our disadvantages? 

Outside the Camp

Hebrews 13:12-13 says, “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.”

When the Israelites escaped Egypt, they marched together as one camp. Within the camp, there was safety. When the tabernacle was built, it was placed in the middle of the camp. Safety, cleanliness, and community existed inside the camp. Those are hard things to give up. But the Hebrew Christians were exhorted to go to the Lord “outside the camp.” 

Turning to Jesus isn’t easy. It requires us to go against the crowd. It requires us to leave the supposed safety of what we know for the promised safety of the Lord. It requires sacrifice and courage. Sometimes, it even involves suffering. But outside the camp is where we meet the Lord. Are you ready to leave the familiar camp behind, share Christ’s reproach, and seek His saving presence outside the camp?