Our Work Is Not in Vain

1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 …For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others…But we were gentle among you…We exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God…For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Ye are our glory and joy.

Material possessions we achieve in this life will all be forfeited at the threshold of eternity–none of them can be taken with us. But in contrast to temporal gains, souls won for Christ are an eternal crown allowing us to rejoice in the presence of our Lord. Even when those souls are won through extreme labor and travail, seeing these new believers grow is worth any sacrifice or discomfort–truly, our work is not in vain.