2 John, Verse 8: Do not Throw Away all you Have Labored For

2 John, Verse 8: Do not Throw Away all you Have Labored For

2 John 1:8 (Amplified Version) Look to yourselves (take care) that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may [persevere until you] win and receive back a perfect reward [in full]. 

In other words, when we strive to live a holy life and leave all sinful habits behind us, we need to take care not to fall back into sin.  We must continue to strive for the things of God and pursue a life of holiness if we are to receive the "perfect reward" of eternal life with Jesus Christ.  

Our works do indeed matter as this verse clearly states.  If we backslide and throw our free gift of salvation in the garbage, we will lose out on God's perfect gifts of grace, mercy, love, joy, and peace.  

I know it can be easy to get discouraged by negative circumstances or when other people make fun of your beliefs.  But just keep your eyes on Jesus and His great love for you.  Don't give up working for the Lord in whatever way you are capable of and living for the Lord by doing the right things even when it is unpopular.  Even when you feel alone, God is always on your side!

God wants to bless us, but we must do our part and work to not destroy all we have labored for.  Don't throw away God's eternal rewards for the temporal sins of this world.  Choose the paths of righteousness and walk steadfastly on the path that leads to peace that only following God can bring!