Do The Work

As the echoes of Easter celebrations fade, we're left with a profound question: What now? The resurrection of Jesus Christ isn't merely a historical event we commemorate once a year—it's a transformative power that should reshape how we live every single day. Let's explore how we can harness this resurrection power and live with renewed purpose.

Running the Race of Faith

Picture yourself on a track, poised at the starting line. The apostle Paul often used racing analogies to describe our spiritual journey, and for good reason. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he reminds us, "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!" This isn't about competing against others, but about giving our all in pursuit of our calling.

But sometimes, we lose our stride. Paul observed this in the Galatian church, asking, "You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?" (Galatians 5:7). It's a poignant reminder that our spiritual journey can face obstacles and distractions.

The key is to run with purpose. As Paul states, "So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing" (1 Corinthians 9:26). This purposeful living is at the heart of what it means to embrace resurrection power.

Setting Our Hearts and Minds Above

So how do we live in light of the resurrection? Colossians 3:1-4 provides a roadmap:

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

This passage outlines three crucial steps:

1. Set Our Hearts on Things Above: This isn't about disengaging from the world, but about reorienting our loves. What consumes your heart? Is it temporary pleasures and earthly ambitions, or the eternal values of God's kingdom? Loving what heaven loves means embracing righteousness, truth, God's presence, and His mission.

2. Set Our Minds on Things Above: Our thinking needs renewal. As Romans 12:2 urges, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation affects our worldview, priorities, and attitudes. What thoughts dominate your daily life? Are they aligned with Christ's truth or swayed by fear, pride, anger, or greed?

3. Remember Our True Identity: In Christ, we've died to our old selves. Our lives are now "hidden with Christ in God." This profound truth frees us from being defined by past mistakes, held captive by sin, or bound by others' approval. We're secure and significant in Christ.

Waiting in Preparation

After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples were eager to change the world. But Jesus gave an unexpected command: "Wait for the gift my Father promised" (Acts 1:4). This waiting wasn't idle time—it was crucial preparation to receive the Holy Spirit's power.

In our zeal to work for Christ, we must remember that true kingdom work is done by His Spirit, not just our strength. Waiting on God involves:

1. Trusting His Timing: God's delays are not denials. They're opportunities for preparation and growth.

2. Receiving His Power: The work Christ died for requires supernatural empowerment—the dynamic "dunamis" power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Being Empowered as Witnesses: The Holy Spirit doesn't just make us feel something; He empowers us to be something—witnesses of Christ's truth and love.

While waiting, we're called to pray, worship, and stay in community. As Isaiah 40:31 promises, "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Doing the Work Christ Died For

The resurrection isn't just inspiration—it's a commission. Christ's love compels us to action. As 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 declares, "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

This compulsion reorients our entire lives. We're no longer building our own kingdoms but furthering God's. Our time, gifts, and resources are now on assignment for His purposes.

As Christ's ambassadors, we're entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. Our primary work is to bridge the gaps—between God and humanity, and between people. We carry a message of healing, forgiveness, and hope to a fractured world.

Pressing On Toward the Goal

The journey of faith is ongoing. As Paul reflected in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

This forward-focused mindset doesn't ignore the past but refuses to be defined or limited by it. We're called to press on, to keep running the race set before us with endurance and purpose.

At the end of his life, Paul could confidently say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7). This should be our aim—to live so fully in the power of the resurrection that we can look back on a life well-lived for Christ.

The resurrection of Jesus wasn't the end of the story—it was the beginning of a new chapter for humanity. As we embrace this resurrection power, may we live purposefully, love boldly, and work tirelessly for the kingdom of God. The race is on, and with Christ's power within us, we're equipped to run it well.