The Christian Life Is Work

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men."    

(Colossians 3:23) 

If there is one thing that needs to be grasped in the Christian life, it is the fact that it takes work on our part to live the Christian life, and be involved in effective Christian service.

The Apostle Paul encourages us in all that we do, to do it heartily. To live and serve, putting forth as much effort and enthusiasm as we can muster.

The Bible makes it clear that we must depend upon the Lord, for the resources and encouragement, to live and serve. But after we receive these helps, we need to give it all we have, to pursue what God has in store for us. God makes available His Word, for insight, and encouragement. He makes available the opportunities to pray, and to feel His presence.

In Joshua 1: 8 we are told to meditate on God's Word night and day.
We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. We are to press on in pursuing the things of God (Philippians 3:13-14)

The Christian life is to be a life of zeal, and hard work. In all that we do, whether it be in personal growth, or Christian service, we should be ready to work, and work hard.

There is much that needs to be done. We are not finished products, and there are people to reach for the Kingdom. We are encouraged to keep growing as a Christians, and to involve ourselves in the work of the church no matter what it entails, or what it costs.

The word "can't" should never be in our vocabulary. The Apostle Paul said very confidently"I can do all things through Christ who give me strength" (Philippians 4:13) 

If one man could turn his life around, and turn the world upside down for Jesus Christ, what is our excuse? GP

Photo by cooldesign. Published on 09 May 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Abounding In The Work

"Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 
(1 Corinthians 15:58) 

While visiting my family in Wisconsin, my brother-in-law, shared something with me, that I have not forgotten. He said: "When a pastor, and the people, are out there visiting, and sharing the Gospel, involved in the work of ministry, the church is going to do well. The Lord will bless the church. The spiritual health of the church will be good, finances will be good, things will be very productive."

 I truly believe that what he said is true. And this agrees with what the Apostle Paul said in out text. No matter what the trying circumstances are; if we are steadfast, immovable in our faith and commitment, always abounding in the work of the Lord, it is going to bring about God's richest blessings, for the church, and for the Kingdom of God.

Whatever we do, it will not be in vain, because the Lord will bless us for our faithfulness. When things get tough, one feels like putting their head in the sand, and just going along for the ride. We should never do that. We serve an awesome God, who has the power to do great things through us.

We need to always abound in the work of the Lord, and in so doing see the work abound for the Kingdom of God! GP

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Every Good Work

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about being "equipped for every good work", what did he mean? Evangelism, worship, Bible study, encouragement, trials, fellowship?

Whatever responsibilities, and challenges that faces us as Christians, we cannot be fully equipped without the Word of God.
So why are churches today, getting away from Bible study, and participating in social, and fun activities, that offer no spiritual nutrition?

We would rather feed our bellies than our hearts with the Word of God. You say, that is pretty blunt. Well, it needs to be said. There is nothing wrong with eating together, and having fun together as a church family. But when we make these pursuits precedent over our being equipped to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), we have placed our priorities in the wrong place.

God has a purpose for the Church, and we are to come together to fulfill that purpose.

We as disciples of Christ, are to make disciples. A "disciple" is a learner. We are to help others to be "learners of Christ" In order to do that ,we must constantly study the Word of God; individually, and cooperatively.

God has good works for us to do. But we will not effectively accomplish those good works, apart from His Word! GP (7/19/2018)

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Heartily

 "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." (Colossians 3:23-24) 

Can we as Christians get sloppy? Can we get lazy? Can we get apathetic? Yes, we can, and do.

To both live the Christian life, and be involved in Christian service, takes a lot of determination and work. The Lord Jesus wants us to put forth out best effort, and avoid being sloppy, lazy, and apathetic.

I wonder at times if we don't have this idea that when we become Christians, the Lord is like a magician, and waves a magic wand over us, and immediately we are 100% changed, and there is nothing more that needs to be done; and we just go through the motions of our new and perfect life.

But the apostle Paul was honest with the Philippian Christians, when he told them: " For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

The Lord forgives us of our past sins, and works to bring about new change in our lives, if we will cooperate with Him. Change is not instantanious. It takes work on our part, to apply God's Word to our lives, to weed out the "sinful stuff" that is hanging on to our lives.

From the time we begin our walk with the Lord, to the time we go home to be with Him, for eternity, we are to work heartily to become what He wants us to be. It is about inward change, and kingdom work. Are we up to the challenge? GP

 Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 07 March 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100313981 www.freedigitalphotos.net