(2 Corinthians 5:20-6:1) “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. {21} For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (6:1) We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”
I’m not talking about specific standards, requirements, qualifications, training, gifts and callings that should be part of everyone holding an office in the Lord’s work.
I’m talking about personal characteristics and commitments that are necessary to your success and mine as a Christian even if you never hold an official “position” in the church. Although my prayer is that every Christian will ultimately have a significant place of service.
THE CHRISTIAN WORKER SHOULD HAVE
1. OPTIMISM –The Optimist says, “Things could be worse” The Pessimist says, “They probably will.”
(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
- Some Christian Workers Fail Because They Are Pessimistic. Their Looks, Tones, And Gestures Project a Negative Aura.
- Optimism Is A Requirement For Doing God’s Work. Look For The Best; Expect The Best; Do Your Best. –
- Positive Attitudes Stimulate Joy And Enthusiasm. Many People Will Go Where They Can Find A Joyous Atmosphere.
- I’m not talking about the positive mental attitude. I’m talking about a positive faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God.
(Ephesians 6:7) “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:”
2. ORGANIZATION – Not the final answer to every problem … But it sure helps improve any situation
(Titus 2:7) “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” – Think of that, God wants you to be a pattern. Something that someone else could use as an example of how to live the Christian life. He mentions a few items.
Uncorruptness in Doctrine – Corrupt is Rusting, Rotting, Deteriorating, Disintegrating
Gravity – Feet on the Ground
Sincerity – Head screwed on straight – (2 Timothy 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
A. The Kingdom Of God Often Suffers Financial And Numerical Losses Because Of Lack Of Organization.
B. Objectives should be organized not just shots in the dark. (Ephesians 4:14) “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
C. Organization Benefits Christian Workers. Don’t Agonize, ORGANIZE. Your life, Prayer Time, Bible Reading, Soul Winning, Schedule, Etc.
D. Organize your garage. Organize your kitchen drawer. Organize your closet, your finances, your workday, etc.
E. But by all means organize your spiritual life. (Your prayer life, your time in the Word, Your preparation for your service in the church, your soul-winning, etc)
3. OBEDIENCE – (Acts 26:19) ” … I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:” The Apostle Paul was obedient to the heavenly vision God had given him. Obsticals and opposition did not deter him. In (Philippians 3:14) the Apostle Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
- Paul Succeeded In Doing God’s Work Because He Obeyed The Lord, He Followed God’s Directions.
- Christian Workers Often Fail Today Because Of Disobedience. You Must Choose Your Way Or God’s Will.
- Often the only way to help someone is to force them to make a choice. Success In God’s Work Means Doing His Will. – (Ephesians 5:17) “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
I am afraid that we have cheapened grace calling anyone who hints of a command a legalist. I won’t take space in this post to deal with that highly explosive and divisive issue. I will say that anyone that understands a direct command or a New Testament principle given by Christ should be more than willing to do their best with the help of Christ to obtain the victory of obedience.
TEST YOUR OBEDIENCE BY THE FOUR COMMANDMENTS OF JOHN 15
(John 15:10) “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”
(John 15:12) “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”
(John 15:14) “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”
(John 15:17) “These things I command you, that ye love one another.”
4. OUTREACH – LOOK AT PAUL’S TESTIMONY – (Acts 26:15-18) “And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. {16} But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;{17} Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, {18}To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
V 16 PURPOSE – To make thee a minister and a witness
V 17 PROTECTION – Jesus will protect us from being harmed by those to whom He sends us.
V 18 POWER – To overcome Satan and lead the lost to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Optimism, Organization, Obedience and Outreach will only happen in our lives as we recognize the need for them and seek God’s help in obtaining them. The biggest room in the world is room for improvement. Will you ask God to show you any areas of weakness and in sincerity promise Him that you will do whatever is necessary with His help to become a stronger worker. Praying that the grace which he has shed abroad won’t simply be a guarantee of heaven but also help us all to become significant servants in this present world.
Lonnie Mattingly 