Answer
After a thorough analysis on the topic of the resurrection, Paul concludes with the remark, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). To truly grasp the significance of our labor not being in vain, we must comprehend Scripture’s teaching on the resurrection.
The resurrection of Jesus stands at the core of the gospel and Christian living. Paul emphatically asserts that, without Jesus’ resurrection, Christianity would be rendered meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14–17). Having presented the essential elements of the gospel via a creed (verses 4–6), he dedicates the remaining verses to debunking the idea in Corinth that there is no resurrection of the dead. It is likely that this false idea discouraged many early Christians, calling for the apostle’s intervention. After affirming the certainty of a future resurrection for all believers, Paul urges them to stand fast, because ultimately, the reality of the resurrection gives meaning to our Christian work. Because of the fact of resurrection, our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
The Christian lifestyle encompasses blessings, responsibilities, and trials. While we relish the blessings, we may grow weary of doing good and disheartened when facing trials and temptations. Without the assurance of resurrection, why endure persecution, face trials, resist temptations, and tread the difficult path? If life is confined only to this world, our labors on behalf of Christ would indeed be in vain. Fortunately, that’s not the case. Jesus’ resurrection serves as undeniable proof that we, too, will experience resurrection. And resurrection will be followed by reward for God’s children.
As Paul specifies, our labor should be “in the Lord.” When Paul speaks of meaningful labor, he isn’t referring to work aimed at achieving personal ambitions but work dedicated to the expansion of God’s kingdom. Our labor includes the good things we do like showing generosity, fighting for justice, extending kindness, and evangelizing others—all these things hold eternal significance. Nothing done for the Lord is in vain.
A common saying often directed at Christians is, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good”, a sentiment attributed to Oliver Wendell, Sr., and expressed in Johnny Cash’s song “No Earthly Good.” However, the reverse is often the case. A strong belief in eternity gives the empowerment to do what’s right, regardless of challenges. C. S. Lewis aptly stated in Mere Christianity, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next” (HarperCollins, 2001, p.134).
The early church opposed infanticide and rescued abandoned babies. During the third-century plague of Cyprian, Christians “played an active role in caring for the ill as well as actively providing care in the burial of the dead. Those Christians who themselves perished from the illness claimed martyrdom while offering non-believers who would convert the possibility of rewards in the Christian afterlife” (Horgan, J., “Plague of Cyprian, 250—270 CE,” 12/13/16, www.worldhistory.org/article/992/plague-of-cyprian-250-270-ce/, accessed 6/6/24). And the work has continued through history, as devout Christians worked to abolish slave trade and many continue to shine light in dark places today.
Jesus said, “If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:42, NLT). So, the labor does not have to be laborious. Whatever is done for Christ is not done in vain. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).
