I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4
It's September and the Labor Day holiday marks the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. I have the honor of teaching the male Puritans (teenagers) at our church, and this past weekend we discussed the importance of school work and applying ourselves in our studies. We referenced the scripture in I Timothy 2:15 where Paul admonished Timothy to study to show oneself approved unto God. We agreed that students should apply themselves academically as respect and recognition from God. As adults, that same concept should also be applied to our professions, ministry and any activity in which we are involved.
Of many life lessons my father taught me, the one I probably cherish most is the importance of and the benefits of work. How well I remember those early summer mornings when my father would awaken me from sleep to give me my daily assignments. It may have been cutting the lawn, trimming the hedges, cleaning the garage, painting the porch or stacking firewood behind the garage. The list went on, but make no mistake, my dad made it quite clear that part of my responsibility as a young man was to work.
For a long time I disliked him terribly for making me perform all those chores: today I love him for having the wisdom to train me and put manhood in me. As a child I did not understand, but as I matured and came to read and familiarize myself with the Word of God, I see the tremendous advantage my father gave me.
In John 9, Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. Once again, the disciples seemed to focus on the wrong thing, asking "…who did sin his parents or this man that he was born blind?" (v. 2). Jesus, however, was focused on the condition of the man. He knew had a limited time to complete the work assigned by his Father and He understood the importance of work.
Someone once told me that God created men to work. He gave men muscles, not to physically abuse people, but to protect and provide for those under his care. God gave men brains or mental capabilities to be creative in producing. Therefore, men can accomplish what my father told me, work smart and not hard. However, there must be work involved.
My friends, a dear mother in the church taught me a valuable lesson. She explained when the people of the Lord are not working, primarily winning souls for Christ, we begin nibbling on one another. Have you noticed the people in your church? Often, a few people perform most of the tasks while a large majority either complain about the church or just observe the few working. In which category do you fall?
God has given each of us the necessary tools to work and be productive in the task to build the kingdom of God. He gave us life. He gave us salvation. He gave us a testimony. He gave us His Word. He gave us His Son. And He gave us a mandate: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16).
Take a look around you. Is there a need for Sunday School teachers? Is there a need for ushers? Is there a need for van drivers? How about choir members? Is there a need for someone to visit the sick? Is there a need for someone to read to the children? Friends, it's time to get to work, before night fall sets in.
I bless you in the name of the Lord!