September 9, 2026

“Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.” – Philippians 2:14-16

This past weekend was Labor Day weekend. As we often do on Labor Day, my wife and I decided to get caught up on some projects. I had some work to do on a few of my cars to get them ready for our Family Fun Day and Car Show coming up at the church this weekend. My son and my youngest daughter decided to help me out. We re-covered a bench seat, installed door panels, and detailed several cars. They worked hard and we had a blast together! There is something about seeing your kids work hard and work with a smile on their face that makes you proud as a father. All those years of dealing with stubbornness and complaints were worth it; they are actually turning out pretty awesome! It was one of those “proud dad” moments.

Discipleship has become a lost discipline in many churches today. Some of that may be because it is hard. Investing in someone spiritually requires a lot. Additionally, their failures can feel like your failures. But never underestimate the fact that their successes feel like your successes. Seeing someone grow in Christ and do great things for the Kingdom can bring fresh joy into your relationship with God. Seeing someone shine in the midst of a dark world, partly because of the work you put into their lives, can make for “proud spiritual dad” moments over and over again as long as you have the privilege to walk this earth. And it will make for a great moment that day you stand before the Lord.

Heavenly Father, fill us with a passion to constantly pass on all the knowledge, encouragement, prayers, and blessing that others have poured into us. And as we do that, strengthen us with the fact that our labor in You is never in vain.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon