“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 (KJV)
Jesus teaches that the most esteemed man and woman are not the self-congratulatory leaders of society but are, instead, the most humble of servants. But as weak human beings, we sometimes fall short as we seek to puff up ourselves and glorify our accomplishments. This is wrong. If you feel the temptation to build yourself up in the eyes of your neighbour, resist the temptation. We can work for Christ wherever He calls and places us – in the home, in church, among those we associate and do business with – some are even called to foreign countries.
Note, the greater part of our Saviour’s life on earth was spent in patient toil as He walked side by side with peasants and laboured unrecognised and unrewarded. So, in the humblest duties and lowest position in life, we can walk and work with Jesus. Apostle Paul says, “…let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God” (1 Corinthians 7:24 – KJV). The businessman should conduct his business in a way that will glorify His Master because of his fidelity if he is a true follower of Christ. His life will reflect and reveal to men the Spirit of Christ. Everyone who names the name of Christ should work so that others, by seeing His good work, may be led to glorify their Creator and Redeemer.
Many have excused themselves from rendering their gifts to the service of Christ because they think others were possessed with superior endowments and advantages. So many times, we say we can’t serve God because we aren’t ‘whatever is needed;’ either not talented enough or smart enough. Significantly, however, in the parable of the talent (Matthew 25:14-30), the master of the house, before leaving to travel, entrusted his property to his servants according to the abilities of each man.
If you are in covenant with Jesus Christ, He is responsible for covering your weaknesses. He will give you His abilities for your disabilities. Don’t be like the third servant at the master’s return and bury your talent. Go forward quietly, doing the work that God assigns to you and you will hear, “ Well done, good and faithful servant.” We are all workers together with Christ.
Prayer
Dear Lord, in weak moments, we may try to build ourselves ahead of others. But You want us to be humble servants to those who need our encouragement, our help, and our love. Today, we ask that You help us to do our best to follow faithfully in the footsteps of Your Son Jesus by serving others humbly, faithfully, and lovingly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23-24
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 24:15-22; Colossians 3; Colossians 4:1; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 15
