“women who work hard in the Lord” [Romans 16:12(NIV)]

“women who work hard in the Lord”. This is not about whether you go out to work or not. It’s not about getting status from a job title or how much you earn. This is work that is done ‘in the Lord’ – based on a relationship with Christ. Hard work involves effort, sacrifice, even struggle. What makes it worthwhile is that it is done ‘in the Lord.’ Paul encourages the Church in Corinth with the words ‘you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’ Whether working for a secular or Christian business, whether helping the local church or helping family and friends, our love for Jesus and desire to honour Him should motivate us to work hard ‘as unto the Lord.’ Irrespective of what reward we get on earth, a reward is waiting in heaven.