So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

— Genesis 29:20

Christ said to the church in Ephesus that He knows their works. Interestingly, many of us are willing to do works. If, that is, they are not too strenuous and it won’t be too inconvenient—if it is not too early, or too late, or too far, or too heavy, or too much, or too often. So, if all those conditions are met, well then you can count on me …  once in a while.

But I thank God there are some whose labors God knows. I even know some who are faithful and diligent, and it doesn’t matter how hard or how often or how long or how far. I thank God for that. Christ knows your labors. If your work is done for Him, you may be certain that He will reward you.

When we do works out of love for Christ, it makes all the difference in the world. How powerful is the “first love” that we have for the Lord. There is nothing that “first love” cannot do. There may be streams or rivers to cross, and first love says, “I can swim.” There may be mountains to climb, and first love says, “I can fly.” It doesn’t matter what the task, “More love for Thee, O Christ” should be our continuous prayer.

Question to ponder:
Is your service to the Lord what you want it to be?