Laboring For New Life: The Cost and Reward of Following Christ

Labor is hard. Bringing a baby into the world requires endurance, pain, and perseverance, but the reward of a beautiful new life makes every moment worth it. Once I delivered each of my daughters, the pain immediately faded and pure joy took it’s place.

In much the same way, laboring to become a follower of Christ is hard. When I realized that Jesus desires not only my church attendance and worship but my entire life, I was a bit scared to say the least. I didn’t know if I would be able to have any fun anymore! What would this surrendered life look like?

The Surrendered Life Is Laboring To Believe God

The surrendered life is a labor of sorts. We need to believe God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, rather than buying into the agenda of the world. This is a mindset shift to say the least.

For instance, when I turned my life over to Christ, the Lord led me to remove many things from my life over a period of time: a dating relationship, a second glass of wine, music and movie choices were changed, conversations guarded, and my work hours were not to be increased. The Lord clearly wanted me to leave room in my schedule for Him and the plans He had for me. This led to financial “insecurity” by the world’s definition, but I was in the center of God’s will.

Change always costs something, be it from married couple to new parents or secular person to one who desires to follow Christ. But giving up doesn’t necessarily have to be thought of as negative.

Giving Up To Gain More

Adam and Eve could’ve enjoyed so much more had they surrendered their choice to God’s instruction. They would have continued to enjoy the presence and provision of God and the light labor of tending to what God had started.

Today, we face the same choice. When we read Scripture, we can either listen to or ignore the leading of the Holy Spirit. Obedience may appear to mean accepting a harder life, but that perception is a lie of the enemy. God’s ways do not diminish life; they protect it, deepen our relationship with Him and lead us into true abundance.

Laboring For New Life

While new parents are realizing their life is no longer their own, Christ followers are learning the same. We know that we are saved for eternity when we confess our sin and accept Jesus Christ as Savior. However eternity is not all that we are guaranteed.

Jesus desires that we enjoy the abundant life He won for us at His resurrection and ascension. Scripture states:“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”(John 10:10 ESV)

As we “labor” to get ourselves to study Scripture- at least it feels that way to me sometimes-the Holy Spirit takes over. Our hearts begin to soften and we have no need to fight back when problems arise. We learn that all of our “fighting” is done on our knees in prayer.

New Life Feels Impossible

The change from our old life to our new life “In Christ” can feel impossible. But we are not relying on our own strength. The Holy Spirit within us is the true power behind our transformation. God does not demand perfection from us, He simply asks for agreement that His way is the best way.

Agreement that His guidelines are good and that His fence posts around our lives are loving and protective. When we listen to His instruction and desire to follow it, the Holy Spirit steps in and helps us, day by day. Again and again, we choose to say no to the world and yes to God’s perfect way. In other words, “No” to self help and yes to the Holy Spirit’s supernatural help.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jer 29:11)

Over time, our faithfulness to listen to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit, leads to greater responsibility and clearer direction. In God’s timing, we are given our assignment, our role in the Great Commission. That calling, too, will be difficult. We may feel unqualified or overwhelmed, and honestly, we are right. We are not qualified to share the Good News of our Creator on our own. Once again, God is not looking for ability; He is looking for willingness. Willingness to participate, trust Him, and follow where He leads- no matter the cost.

Laboring Is Easy When We Know God Is Guiding Us

We never need to worry about provision, protection or health issues taking us down if we are in the center of God’s will. This position closes all doors to the enemy. But, on the other hand, if we have left one open, unknowingly, we can get back into God’s provision through surrender to His will and His way.

Jesus finished everything at the cross. Christians don’t need to set their own goals, labor hard and keep pushing to make an abundant life, hoping God will bless our plans. We are to listen and wait for the leading of God and then move. He will take us out of the season of being faithful in the “little” or small beginnings.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”(3 John 1:2)

Our soul flourishes when we remain in constant communication with the Lord through Bible study, prayer and intentionally creating margin in our lives to hear His voice. When we fill our minds with endless self help podcasts or earthly wisdom, we risk missing the supernatural guidance and help of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus invites us to take His easy yoke, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”(Matt 11:29 NIV). What He calls us to do may be intimidating, but it won’t be exhausting, we will feel joyful and full of energy. What God starts He always brings to completion. Not only that, our new role in His Kingdom will fit perfectly into our current life as we raise our family.

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”(Phil 1:6)

Food For Thought,

Lisa