Doing the Lord’s Work

 

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” Colossians 3:17

In spite of this admonition by the apostle Paul to the Colossian Christians, there seems to be a tendency among us today to divide our daily living into two categories: 1) every day living and work and 2) Christian living and doing the Lord’s work.

This was once expressed to me by a friend as each one having two hats: an every day hat to be worn all week and a religious one to be worn on Sundays and at other times when we are engaged in “church work”. These ideas seem foreign to what Paul wrote to the Colossians and to the Corinthian Christians:

                “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

and

                “And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord.” Colossians 3:23

From these instructions by Paul, applicable to all Christians at all times, it becomes apparent that we are to serve the Lord in whatever we do, whether by doing well whatever work or job we have to do, by conducting business in the way a Christian should, or by caring for a home and raising children up to become Christians and carry on the work of the Lord. In any of these situations, there are opportunities to teach or influence people.

Jesus started out teaching regarding his coming kingdom by giving some basic rules for Christian living. He was aware that his disciples knew the command “Love your neighbor” but He enlarged upon it considerably when He said: “You have heard it has been said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44.

In Jesus’ reply to the question: “Who is my neighbor?” we learn our neighbor is the person we work with, the person we hire to work for us, those we meet in various situations, or the person or persons with whom we live. Our neighbor is everyone. See Luke 10: 29-37. Paul wrote that “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor.” (Romans 13:8-10). Therefore, if we have the proper care and concern for our neighbor, we will do them no harm, and this way of life is doing the Lord’s work.

Jesus said at the beginning of his teaching “In everything, then do to others as you would have them do to you…” (Matthew 7:12). This is the basis upon which a sense of fairness and trust can develop. This behavior can make a person or business stand out as “the light of the world”, and is an example of using influence and teaching in the service of the Lord. This is doing the Lord’s work.

Those who care for the home and raise children, may have the best opportunity to be a “light unto the world”. They serve the Lord by teaching their children (and their children’s friends) to revere God and implant in them the desire to learn more about God and His word. This is doing the Lord’s work.

It is important to remember that whatever we do as Christians must be done in love. Paul made this clear in I Corinthians 13:1-2 – just prior to defining love, Paul said: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love, I am as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not love, it profits me nothing.” Therefore, anything done under duress, peer pressure, for prestige or praise or anything but true care and concern for others (agape love) counts for nothing.

We must remember that we are not only “the light of the world” as Jesus said, but we are ambassadors for Christ in His Kingdom (See I Corinthians 5:20, and Ephesians 6:20). Just as our nation has ambassadors in other nations of the world who devote their time to the service of the nation, the kingdom of Christ, His church, has ambassadors (Christians).  These Christians go out into the world as His representatives devoting time and attention to the commandments of the King, that He gave just before his ascension to heaven – (as recorded in Matthew) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)

It is understood that all Christians are not professional teachers or preachers, but they are still able to teach by their influence in whatever job or activities they are involved in. In some cases, the conduct of the life of a Christian may have more influence upon others than preaching or teaching. (Reminds me of the saying, I would rather see a sermon that hear one). This is not to imply that preaching and teaching the word is not important. Not only is it important, it is essential in order that people may hear and obey the gospel. This does not imply either that only a few trained Christians are to preach and teach.

All Christians are to study the word so that they can teach people how to become Christians. Peter spoke of this in I Peter 3:15: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give an account to every man that asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” This makes it clear that we must strive to be able to tell people of the hope we have in Christ our Savior. Paul also tells Christians to study: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

Jesus made it plain that Christians are to teach others. In His farewell statement to the apostles as recorded in Matthew 28:19 He gave the command and the result of the command is found in Acts 8:4: Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” This “scattering” is referring to the great persecution of the church which took place just after the death of Stephen. All the Christians, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. These Christians were doing the Lord’s work wherever they were by preaching and teaching people how to become Christians. Their actions under such circumstances should encourage all Christians to teach by word and influence, thus doing the Lord’s work. Christians have a role model in Jesus Himself. In Acts 10:38, we are told that “He went about doing good”. Paul told the Galatian Christians that “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10.

Doing the Lord’s work is about doing all things with love in our hearts for God and people. This means that our everyday living should be primarily for the cause of Christ, using all opportunities to teach the gospel of Christ and show the joys of living a Christian life. Christians are the earthen vessels to who the gospel has been entrusted, and to keep the gospel alive in the hearts of mankind, each generation must be diligent in doing the Lord’s work in our daily lives, in special works, in teaching by work and influence, and by doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To maintain the church, Christ’s kingdom, each Christian must do the Lord’s work. We must remember who we are and whose we are. This is important because we are representing the Lord Jesus Christ before and uncaring and unbelieving world. We must make a conscience effort to be:

 a light unto the world,

an ambassador of Christ to the world,

a teacher of the gospel by work and influence,

one who does good to all,

one who loves God and others,

one who does all for the glory of God.

While this may seem overwhelming, we can call upon the Lord for the help we need. Jesus said he would always be with us – even to the end of the age. Paul tells us: be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds though Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7.

Fortified by His promises and our faith, we can go about doing the Lord’s work daily in whatever we do.  

 

This is the 4th installment from my aunt Elizabeth Davis' book.