Steadfast, Unmovable & Always Abounding

1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV), "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding int he work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."  This is a well know verse.  I have read and studied it several times.  But sometimes, God has us go back to a scripture to remind us of something or maybe even to shown us something new in that scripture.   The Message translation says this, "My dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort."  

Nowadays, the devil will try absolutely anything to distract us off the paths of righteousness. He has always done this, but he is trying harder than ever before because he knows that his days are numbered.  We are closer than ever before to the time when Jesus will ask Gabriel to pick up that trumpet and blow it loud and strong to call His people home.  Now more than ever before, we need to be steadfast and unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord.  The devil will try to make you think that even the small tasks you do for the Lord are insignificant...that praying for someone doesn't count.  Or that an encouraging word to someone who needs it doesn't make a difference.   It isn't just the pastors, teachers and evangelists that are working for Him.  EVERY work that is done unto the Lord counts and makes a difference in the Kingdom of God.  I am going to even say that even the person who cleans the church bathrooms is making a difference.  The appearance and cleanliness of the House of God makes difference to saints and guests alike.  

But, what does it mean to be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding?  Understanding what they mean will help us understand what we need to be doing.  Because in these end-times, it is imperative that we do these things.  

Steadfast.  To be steadfast means to be vigorous, dedicated, dependable, good, passionate and unwavering.  Hebrews 10:23 (KJV) encourages us to "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"  

• We need to be vigorous or have active strength in our mind.  Romans 12:2 (KJV), "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  
• We need to be totally dedicated to serving Him with our whole heart.   
• We need to be dependable.  He needs to be able to count on us to get the job done, being sensitive to His Spirit so that we can assist those who need encouragement.
• We need to strive to do that which is good.  Being and doing good means to have an attitude that is upright, appropriate, effectual and happy.  Having the right kind of attitude can make the world of a difference not only on your day, but it can greatly effect those around you.
• We need to be passionate.  This means that we need to give it everything that we got.  Colossians 3:17 (KJV) says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."   If we practice doing everything like we are doing it for Him, just think of the impact we would have on those around us!  This life we live is not all about us...it is all about Him and what we can do for Him.  
• We need to be unwavering.  This means to be unchanging and undeviating.  Don't compromise your standards of holiness.  Don't deviate from the path God has chosen for you.  Stay on track and keep moving forward.  Even if it seems that nothing is happening.  Because sometimes we do not see the difference we are making because it is happening "behind the scenes".

Unmovable.  According to the Greek Lexicon, this means to be firmly persistent.  The Merriam-Webster says, "incapable of moving or being moved".  When I read those definitions, the first thing that came to my mind was the hymn, "I Shall Not Be Moved".    ♪♫ "Glory Hallelujah, I shall not be moved.  Anchored in Jehovah, I shall not be moved.  Just like a tree that's planted by the waters.  I shall not be moved. In His love abiding  I shall not be moved and in Him confiding  I shall not be moved.  Just like a tree that's planted by the waters.  I shall not be moved.  Though the tempest rages  I shall not be moved.  On the rock of ages  I shall not be moved.  Just like a tree that's planted by the waters.  I shall not be moved".

Always abounding in the work of the Lord.  This means that at all times we need to be bursting at the chance to do something for the Lord.  It is not time to sit back and wait.  We need to be busy about our Lord's business.  It doesn't matter how small or minimal the task seems to be, we can make a difference by working for Him.  

I am thankful that whatever we do for the glory of God, does not go unnoticed.  Even the seemingly significant things catch His attention.   Even the things that we do in secret that bring glory and honor to Him, He will openly reward us for them.  I don't know about you, but I want to be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding the in the work of the Lord.  I want to bring Him glory, honor and praise.  ♥