1 CORINTHIANS 15:58.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

TO PONDER

A long time ago if I said to you “Wax on, wax off!”, you would have instantly recognized the lesson I was alluding to, as your mind perhaps drifted to your personal attempts at learning “karartay” or karate by pretending to wax a car and paint a fence. You may have to hunt down and watch the OG “The Karate Kid” movie for this introduction to make sense but suffice to say the original Karate Kid was instructed to complete seemingly inconsequential, menial tasks to learn the ancient art of karate by not learning karate.

Today’s verse is from Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, the church he planted, a church primarily composed of Gentiles, a hodgepodge community from different backgrounds, different faith experiences, a plethora of traditions and ancient history all united by the gospel Paul preached (see verses 1-2). 

This gospel Paul describes earlier in his letter as “a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1:23) is the very same thesis Paul is challenging the church to build their life on.

Paul tells them to wipe the wax on and then off again and again, even though it seemed foolish (even seemingly a waste of time?), to practice their faith so they could stand firm in their faith. 

After practicing “wax on and wax off” and “paint the fence” for over a month I didn’t know karate and was not able to block a punch thrown by my older brother. But after many years of practicing faith, even when I was mocked and called a fool I can now brag, like Paul, that “I can do (survive) all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) through battling chronic illness, life shattering loss, and complete and utter joy, I have stood firm through Christ.

PRAYER: Father, I thank you that the foolishness of the gospel is indeed the power of God and brings life and joy, which I can then regift to everyone around me daily. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Danny Brock, LifeWay Westside.