‘NOT IN VAIN’
‘Grace … not in vain;’ ‘Labour … not in vain.’
1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58
St. Paul, of all men, was ever keen on Christian men and women not only enjoying their privileges, but also discharging their responsibilities consistently.
I. Because if we do not, God’s grace has been bestowed upon us in vain.—An ample supply of that grace comes to every child of God: on every penitent soul the Divine bounty descends in the form of virtue and power to lead a new life. Judging by Apostolic language we each have more than enough (see 2 Corinthians 9:14 and 1 Peter 4:10). That grace is given for the distinct purpose of service; and if it is not thus received, or thus employed, it is vain, it is rendered void, it becomes an empty thing! Bad enough to be unmoved by human kindness; a far greater sin not to be affected by the grace of God; not to be stirred to sacrifice and service (vide 2 Corinthians 6:1).
II. Because if we do, He will see that such labour is not in vain.—This follows our first thought admirably: ‘God gives His grace, do you give your labour,’ for if you see that His grace is not lost, He will see that your labour is not lost. But if men will not hear, is not our labour necessarily in vain? So we sometimes think; but the Apostle reminds us of the Resurrection, when the Master will assuredly give the increase, produce some fruit for all our labours, for the work of grace cannot be lost. There may be few signs of harvest to-day; but they will appear to-morrow when He cometh, ‘Whose reward is with Him.’
Rev. A. B. G. Lillingston.