(Matthew 25:14-30)
Again, to re-emphasis His need for man in His scheme of things, He made Jesus Christ man to use Him for the purpose of man’s ultimate redemption, and as an example for us. 1 Peter 2:21 – “For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us examples that we should follow His steps” Jesus also declared in John 9:4 – “I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work”
Areas we can Work with God
1. Physically (talents, strengths, abilities, knowledge, intellect etc ) – Matthew 25:14-30
2. Spiritually (Prayers, intercessions, use of our spiritual gifts etc ) – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
3. Emotionally (Think about, and dream of the church and God’s work) – Psalms 69:9 (The zeal of thy house has consumed me…)
4. Financially (Tithes, offerings, thanksgivings, and other special giving/donations) – Malachi 3:10
How to Be an Effective Co-Worker with God
1. Identify and fill gaps in God’s house – John 2:1-5
2. Consolidate on One Another’s Efforts and Gifts – Genesis 2:18, Exodus 17:8-14
3. Develop Positive relationships in church – 3 John 1:16, Proverbs 27 :6,17
4. Be faithful in tithing, and be cheerfully generous with your giving – Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7
5. Wherever your level of responsibility with God, get more involved, there is always room for more involvement – Matthew 25:16-30
6. Be humble leaders and sincere followers
Leaders (Matthew 20:25-26) ask yourselves the following questions:
Are you humble, are you approachable?
Do you lord it over everyone under you, or do you listen to their opinions?
When you call your followers together, do they come happily or do they come as a result of fear?
Followers (Romans 13:1-5) as yourselves the following questions:
Do you constantly see yourself as being better than your leader?
Do you always resent his/her decisions?
Do you prayerfully support your leader?
Do you wish him/her to fail in his/her decisions?
Conclusion: Working for God is not an option for any believer. God has called us all into a working relationship with Him. He has commissioned us to make disciples of every nation (Matthew), and this is the sole aim of churches. Being meaningfully engaged in our local churches leads to the churches fulfilling its mission of making disciples of all nations. We must realize however, that God rewards every little effort we put into making His church to realize its mission. Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
I know that the human nature does not want to work for God, but God’s grace will always see us through, hence I will also conclude with Paul’s admonition and prayers in Hebrews 13:16,20-21 – “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen!”