Vain Labor

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. –I Thessalonians 3:5

Had the devil had his way, Paul’s work amongst the Thessalonians would have been for naught. This raises an interesting question regarding the efficacy of his efforts. Some would interpret this to mean Paul’s work could only be counted a success if the Church he founded prospered. But, we know from the Bible as a whole that success is not measured by numbers. Many times in the Old Testament the faithful were reduced to a few thousand out of a population of millions, but the labors of men like Elijah in such circumstances can be counted a success. He was faithful and glorified God in what he did, and that alone stands as the measure for the efficacy of his work.

The same is true of Paul. Had the Church in Thessalonica failed, he would still have glorified God by his witness. We are told that Paul’s efforts in places like Athens were not successful as far the establishing of a Church along the lines of Thessalonica or Philippi, but the work he did there amongst the philosophers was made part of the cannon of Scripture for the glory it brought to God.

Paul is not judging the efficacy of his labors according to numbers. We must remember the overall context of the passage is encouragement for a young Church. Paul’s goal in v. 5 is the same goal he has had in the rest of chapters 2 and 3 – he is defending his ministry and seeking to strengthen those he has ministered to in the doctrines he has taught. He tells the Thessalonians his labor would “be in vain” to demonstrate how much he cares for them. Their potential loss has affected him greatly, so that he gages his worth according to their well-being. Keep in mind Paul has been accused by false-teachers of being an itinerate preacher who only cares about himself. Paul’s counter to this is that his value is attached to the Thessalonian’s growth.

Our labors are successful to the degree that we are faithful to God and glorify him – numbers are secondary. Just the same, we are obligated to care deeply for those we minister to, and attach the value of our labors to their well-being. Numbers are simply numbers, but the tempting away of a brother is tragic; and the prospect of such an occurrence should affect us deeply. It should cause us to care for their well-being as we do for our own, longing to see their faith secure, and the name of God glorified.