“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” – Ecclesiastes 11:6

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, and when suitably laid, none other foundation shall be rightly fitted; none other building can be erected save the manifest works of God by the faithful service of the believer seeking to please his Master. Sow the seed in faith, never knowing to wither it shall land or what manner of soil, stony or choked by the world or good (Luke 8:5-8). Withhold not your hand to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether it shall prosper or burn up is God’s domain, His word shall not return to Him void.

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” – 1 Corinthians 3:13

This verse is most often applied to the believer’s choice whether to pursue the things of God or the appetites of this world. Also, the application is made to the judgment of Christ, both the believer and the unbeliever. Perhaps those are at times useful, but a more demanding application, and probably the correct one within the context of 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, may be addressed along with the verse from Ecclesiastes. Without any bad design, not knowing where or what seed shall prosper or which fruit will burn, the fruit that remains is that built upon the Gospel to the glory of God. No other foundation is sure. The preceding verse (12) says “this foundation,” and verse 11 tells us that foundation is Christ.

Perhaps never knowing in this lifetime what will stand the test of fire, we declare the good news of salvation and eternal life by Jesus Christ. And having helped a neighbor in need, having told the wasted sinner there is a better purpose in Christ, and encouraged saints in faithful pursuit of life everlasting, the Father keeps what’s good in His sight. We ought to be very grateful that God has a commission for each class of saints and every faculty of the believer.

Years of service, diligent and faithful, having suffered the lows and felt in seasons exalted with Christ when He brings glory to God through the work of His ordination at the hand of the believer, this is every believer’s office in Christ. Looking back at 5, 20, or perhaps 50 years of utility to our Lord, what will be the Almighty’s reply to our calling; faithful, yay or nay?

Many serve but for a season because they see little effect for their efforts. If you have faltered or stopped, get back to it, calling upon His holy name, seeking forgiveness and a new anointing, this time staying faithful by letting God own the outcomes. Being where God has called, doing what He has said, walking by faith and not by sight, the seeds are His, and the fruits, whatever they may be, are His. The lasting effects in history and eternity belong to God; head forward, hand to the plow, laying sure foundations in the liberty of Christ impart seed to the souls of men.

And in believers, adding courage to the young, hope for the weak or afflicted, giving assurance to the saints that their service will prosper God, ours is to deliver with the resolute purpose of heart, building upon that sure foundation. Knowing that some of the work goes nowhere, faithfulness to God’s plan matters; upon some have compassion, and others save with fear pulling them from the gaping entryway of hell.

Some won’t hear or respond, but by faith, the work that appears fruitless, all the while in us grows dependence on the Almighty, deeper and more meaningful prayer, driving our desire to bear fruit that He might be well pleased. Faith brings a work of God with its own results in the heart and attitude of the believer.

Some harvest may burn up, some tried by fire and remaining, but who shall stand on the last day to hear; Well done, good and faithful servant.

Labor in love, in obscurity, through the season of fruitlessness, pressing toward the mark, but always in faith that Christ in you will bring glory to the Father.