What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:3
The pastor preaches a sermon to pump up the congregation on God's unfailing love, and they go home to sink back into their old ways. The safety manager gives safe work practices only for the employee to ignore the warnings. A severe accident happens again. We hear the doctor say that for the sake of our health, we must stop smoking. We vow to stop this bad habit and succeed for one day, only to pick it back up the next.
Each of us has specific labors for the day. We toil to bring about changes for the good, but it seems as if the ground we gain is little to none. Our work at times may seem "meaningless" as the writer of Ecclesiastes repeats over and over again. The cop who breaks up a meth lab only to find another one in its place may feel as if it is a never-ending job. The woman who just scrubbed her kitchen floor only to have her child spill a glass of milk thinks, "Why do I even bother?"
How do we stay motivated when we feel like our labors are in vain? 1 Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Our first step is to not focus on all the monumental work before us or the lack of progress behind us. Our second step is to keep our eyes aimed at Christ, our employer. Motivated by the power of His love for us and our love for Him, we will not grow weary in our service to Him.
The third step is to pray. Romans 12:11-12 says, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." When we come to God in prayer, seeking joy, hope, patience, and strength, He will supply all that we lack.
The shampoo bottle gives directions: wash, rinse, repeat. Our life, at times, seems like a shampoo bottle of washing, rinsing, and repeating over and over again. If we listen to God, we can hear Him cheering, "Keep on! Fight the good fight! Win the race! You can do it! Your work is not in vain, as Satan would lead you to believe. Each step you take is one step closer to my goal for you."
Dear Father, Help me not to give up. Give me your strength to keep working for you. Amen
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