Give Yourself Fully

January 15th, 2026

1 Corinthians 15:50-58.

Ted is a new Christian. He works at a factory where all the employees try to do the least work possible. One day, Ted heard a sermon on Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Ted began putting all his effort into his work. This was not appreciated by his fellow workers, who derided him for it. Nevertheless, it brought great joy to Ted to think that he was working for the Lord.

Another worker named Chuck threatened to whack Ted’s kneecaps if he didn’t back off. Leroy, the union steward, wrote Ted up for making the other workers look bad and for trying to curry favor with the boss.

Ted asked his pastor what to do. The pastor explained to Ted that this was persecution and represented a different realm of labor. He was now laboring for the souls of his coworkers. The pastor explained about the hope we have in Christ, that if we stand firm, our labor will not be in vain. After four months, Chuck accepted Christ. That broke the floodgates open at that workplace.

Never give up; never give out; never give in.

Author: Clark Armstrong