By Gary Woodall
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58, NASB.)
After a very difficult year that may have hindered many of us somewhat in our outreach and in doing the Lord’s work in other ways, your elders have chosen this verse as our theme for the year 2021. With the end of the virus in sight sometime this year, we want to put behind us any distractions and divisiveness there may be and to be sure we are all abounding in the work of the Lord.
So, what is the work of the Lord?
It is doing the work He has commanded us to do and has set for us an example to follow. It is the work that honors and glorifies Him (Matt. 22:36-40; I Cor. 10:31).
It is seeking and saving the lost at home, work, or anywhere you contact people and have opportunity to share with them the salvation with which you have been blessed (Rom. 1:16; Matt 28:19,20).
It is helping anyone less fortunate, like teaching a severely handicapped child to read the Bible, providing aid to those in need, and it is every act of love and kindness you do to share the love of God (Gal. 6:10).
It is edifying the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12).
It is appreciating God and giving thanks (Rom. 1:21; I Thess. 5:18; Heb. 13:15).
Abounding means excelling, going above and beyond, exceeding, teeming with action, etc.
We must ask ourselves, “Am I abounding (excelling, or going above and beyond) in the work of the Lord?” If so, praise God and keep it up!
If not, make the changes necessary to bring your life into accord with God’s will (I Cor. 15:58).