Keep On...Keepin' On

Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I have often joked that if I ever went back to college, I would major in etymology which is the study of how words or phrases came into existence. My love affair with words has only been fueled by the iPhone app, "Words With Friends". Similar to Scrabble, this online game allows you to develop your vocabulary at a rapid pace. Naturally, I'm practically addicted to it.

Several of my family members share this passion and even my eleven year old, Hayleigh, can be found regularly participating. Recently I was complaining to her because my sister, Leigh, a most formidable opponent, was once again beating me. Hayleigh took affront to my whining and retorted, "Mom, what do you possibly have to complain about? Do you recall that I have never yet won a game of Words With Friends?"

She's right. All of Hayleigh's opponents have been adults who have either narrowly or soundly beat her. She has not allowed her defeats to dissuade her. She simply perseveres and chooses to respond to each move with the very best play of which she is capable and she doesn't mutter any complaints.

This morning I am reading 1 Corinthians 15:29-58. Paul is completely his treatment on the subject of the importance of believing in the resurrection. He provides here some of the most encouraging words found in Scripture, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Verses 55-56)

Paul then goes on to say that because God has given us victory through Christ we should do two things:

1. Stand Firm (Verse 58) - Hayleigh has been an example to me of what it means to stand firm. Obviously, she would prefer to win as any of us would but instead of giving up, she is standing firm.
2. Give Yourself Fully to the Work of the Lord (Verse 58) - Now playing Words With Friends is not exactly God's work but one thing I know with certainty. If I were even half as persistent in what God asks of me as Hayleigh's shown herself to be in this game, I would prove myself fully dedicated.

This chapter closes with a sweet promise from God: "Your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

• When your kids don't seem to be getting it...your labor is not in vain
• When you eat right and exercise and don't see the result you'd like...your labor is not in vain
• When you clean your house and no one notices...your labor is not in vain

Jesus, Your promises are so precious. You promise to see that which is overlooked by others. Today I will stand firm in what You've asked of me. Today I will fully give myself to whatever I do. Today I will remember that my labor is not in vain. I might even not complain about Leigh even though she is beating me...again.