This is no unusual occurrence—it's the universal law of the moral universe: those who work with all their hearts prosper, while those who show up with half their heart left at home are almost certain to fail. God does not give harvests to lazy men—except harvests of weeds. He does not send wealth to those who refuse to dig in the field to find its hidden treasure. Everyone confesses this truth: if you want to prosper, you must be diligent in business.

And it's exactly the same in the things of God. If you want to prosper in your work for Jesus, let it be heart work. Do it with all your heart! Put as much force, energy, passion, and earnestness into your spiritual life as you ever put into business—for it deserves far more.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, yes. But he does not encourage our laziness. He loves active believers.

Who are the most useful people in the Christian church? The ones who do what they undertake for God with all their hearts. Who are the most successful Sunday school teachers? The most talented? No! The most zealous—the ones whose hearts are on fire! These are the ones who see their Lord riding forth prosperously in the majesty of his salvation.

Whole-heartedness shows itself in perseverance. There may be failure at first, but the earnest worker says, "This is the Lord's work, and it must be done. My Lord has commanded me to do it, and in his strength I will accomplish it."

Christian, are you serving your Master with all your heart like this? Remember the earnestness of Jesus! Think what heart-work was his! He could say, "Zeal for your house consumes me." When he sweat great drops of blood, it was no light burden he carried on those blessed shoulders. When he poured out his heart, it was no weak effort he was making for the salvation of his people.

Was Jesus in earnest, and are we lukewarm?