What Do We Do Now?

I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

 In the midst of a very difficult time in our community, many people are asking, “What do we do now?” It’s a valid question, given the tragedies we’ve experienced recently. But thankfully, though it is a valid question, it is not a new question. The key for us is looking to the Only One who provides the adequate answers: Almighty God.

One place we may look to find answers to the question, “What do we do?” is in Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians. This letter was written to people a lot like us, facing difficulties both from within their community and from outside it. Paul spent a lengthy chapter talking about the doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and then ended that chapter with some very practical and helpful guidance on how to live out the reality of this doctrine.

He told them first of all to “stand firm.” That is what we must do right now, stand firm. But what did he mean? Stand firm on what? Stand firm on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus Christ. Jesus said Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but through me.” One of His disciples wrote of Him, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved.” Any other foundation we choose to stand on will not stand, especially in times like we are facing now. Stand firm on the sure foundation of Jesus. Secondly, Paul told them to “let nothing move you.” What that said to them, and says to us, is do not move off of that sure foundation. It is especially easy to be moved when we face things we do not understand or cannot explain. But let nothing move you from that foundation of Jesus Christ. Finally, Paul told them to “always give themselves fully to the work of the Lord.” In difficult times, it is easy to wonder if what we are doing is really making a difference or having an impact. But keep on giving yourself fully to the work of the Lord. Why? Paul says, “because your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” What a promise! Our labor, in the Lord, on behalf of our community, is not in vain! It matters. It is making an eternal investment that will reap benefits we might never see.

All of that sounds nice, but where do we find the power to do that? From the Unshakeable Jesus Christ. Jesus stood firm in living a perfect life and going to the cross to pay the debt for sinners, like me and you. Jesus let nothing move Him from the task God had called Him to, winning our salvation. And Jesus gave Himself fully to God’s work because He knew His labor in the Lord was not in vain. When you’re tired, go to Him! When you’re not tired, go to Him! This is where we will find the power to keep going. What do we do now? God’s Word provides the answer.

May 2005