Any time we believe we can guarantee a good outcome by our efforts we are in danger of setting aside the true message of Jesus. His grace and truth are the foundation upon which we can build a life strong in hope and joyful in freedom. Our hope is in Jesus. Our freedom is in him, and in taking ourselves off the hook of engineering a good outcome by means of our own efforts. That freedom is made possible by his death. That hope is secured in the resurrection of Jesus.
Our labor in the Lord is never in vain. Paul will say that to the Galatians later in this letter: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). That's a good reminder for all of us.
