Pursue Work that Means Something

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

In a story titled “York County runner set to compete on international stage with her four-legged best friend” published by Fox43 News earlier this week, it was reported that Angela Coco and her dog, Abby, are set to compete for Team USA at the 2025 Canicross World Championships in October. Coco and Abby's journey to the international stage began just over two years ago, when they first discovered and set their sights on the international competition that includes the emerging sport of Canicross in their list of events. After months of training and racing, Coco built up a resume that got her selected for the national team, who she will be heading to the world competition with. "I started out doing Canicross with [Abby] for fun, because she was my running buddy. We found an activity [we] both liked, then, once I qualified for Continentals last year, I got really aggressive, started training super hard, and now we made it to Worlds," said Coco. "I first found out about it two and a half years ago. I never knew it was a thing. So, since then, I've been fighting for it, and we got it. It was incredibly exciting and validating, because all the hard work we did meant something."

And, you know, when it comes to putting forth hard work that means something, Paul was very clear that “the work of the Lord” is never done “in vain.” In fact, our labor for the Lord is not only not in vain but it has eternal value as compared to so much of our life’s work that will cease to have meaning in years, days, or even minutes. Which is the very reason we are commanded to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” In other words, we are to remain fully committed to the Word, unwilling to compromise on the Word to fit into present culture, and found preaching the Word at every opportunity— completely exhausting the time, talents, and riches God has given us in service to Him, working to store up our treasures in heaven rather than on earth no matter what trials, troubles, or hardships we might face in doing so. 

So, knowing that only what we do for Christ will last into eternity, let us be “abounding in the work of the Lord” my friend. Let us make knowing Christ and making His great Name known our chief mission so that our hard will have meant something when we leave this world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that only what we do for You will have any lasting value. Help us to truly understand this Lord that we might not chase after fame and fortune at the expense of winning souls, knowing that to be known by You is better than to be known by the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!