Effort plays a large part in any successful venture. Hard
work, it seems, is the key ingredient to winning, no matter what we are
involved in. I suppose this is what Thomas Edison was thinking when he penned
his memorable quote, “Genius is one
percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” But is it hard work
alone that leads to a productive and successful outcome? How about in the
Christian life, is the level of busyness the most important ingredient in
Christian service?
The Apostle
Paul in 1 Corinthians 9: 24b says, “Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Paul shows us that we do need to be committed in the Christian life, and committed
in our service to the Lord: that much goes without saying. However he also says
that the effort we expend needs to be focused and goal directed. He goes on to
say in verse 26, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly…”
Paul had one
desire: to live the life that God wanted him to live and to do the works He had
called him to do. On the one hand this means not being lazy and letting
everyone else do the work. On the other hand this means not being so busy doing
“stuff” that you miss the God ordained works that He has prepared especially
for you. Remember in Ephesians 2:10 it says that God has prepared good works in
advance for us to do. That means there is a particular work that God would have
you do in His Kingdom. But first, some of us have to let go of our own agendas
and start working to God’s agenda. The key is to look toward the goal; the goal
of doing the will of God and gaining the prize. That prize is a heavenly welcome;
“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25: 21, 23).
