We read in the book of Nehemiah, how this king's cupbearer was able to encourage the Jews, coming out of captivity, to rebuild the walls and gates of the city of Jerusalem. How long did it take? 52 days! Why such a short time? God's people "had a mind to work." Do we have such a mind today?
How can we be sure that the Lord's church will continue to be strong here at Knollwood? Allow me to share with you some suggestions.
God's children must be busy workers. I'm not just talking about the elders, deacons, and the preacher. We ALL must be striving to do what we can.
"...Seek Him with a whole heart."{Psalm 119:2}
"For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have."{2 Corinthians 8:12} Do we try to find our niche in the Lord's kingdom and determine to do our part in this great work? "My zeal has consumed me..."{Psalm 119:139} How busy are you in the Lord's work?
Counting the cost. "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it--lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish." {Luke 14:28-30}
Do we understand that to be a member of the Lord's church there is a cost involved? It takes time, energy, abilities, and determination to do our part. The Lord's church cannot have a spiritual harvest without the seed being planted. How many people did you discuss God's word with this past year? Did you even try?
Knowing what the work is. Sometimes I wonder if God's people really know what is involved in the "work of the kingdom"?
Lights in a dark world, Matthew 5;13-16; lives that are not conformed to this world, Romans 12:1,2; examples to the lost, 1 Peter 2:21; always ready to give an answer, 1 Peter 3:15; lovers of God and not of the world, 1 John 2:15-17. Workers ready to go into the fields and seek the lost, Matthew 9:37.
Every member of the body of Christ is important for the church to function at its maximum ability. When all members have a "mind to work," the church will grow inwardly and outwardly. Have you been filling your role?
DO YOU HAVE A MIND TO WORK OR A MIND TO LET SOMEONE ELSE WORK FOR YOU?