not in vain

1 Corinthians 15

(56) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(58) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

All of our lives can be spent as the work of the Lord, this is not a reference to my work as an ordained minister! If we relate to our families, work faithfully at our vocation, love our neighbors as ourselves (which includes taking care of our own bodies, minds and hearts), because of the love of God expressed in the life and victory of Jesus, and with a view to the never-ending, ever-increasing reign of Messiah Jesus, our labor is not in vain. It has purpose, it is important, it is critical to "thy kingdom come."

Be encouraged - death, decay, discouragement, disorder... does not have the final word.
Jesus is risen and Jesus is Lord!