Work is a very common terminology used in various spheres of life even the kingdom of God. In this short study, we are going to be considering what this work is and why we should do all diligence to be a part of it.
SourceEphesians 4:1 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Paul speaking to the believers at Ephesus admonishes them to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they were called, this leads us to the understanding that every believer is called first and to a vocation. Now a vocation is an occupation for which a person is qualified or trained for, therefore to be a believer is synonymous to being a worker. Our first question would be that what is this work to which we have being called?
WHAT IS THE WORK
To every job occupation, there is a specification and a purpose of that work, it is no different here. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, land and sea, animals and tree and so on, but most importantly God created man; whom he created in his own image and likeness. Eph 2:10 says that we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, here again work is being mentioned, which is to say we were created for a work.
Rev 4:11
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” tells us what that work is, each time the Lord God finished a creation, He always said it was good. The work is simply “the pleasing of God”, even He performed the work of creation to please himself and we now as a product of his creation are to please him. The work is the fulfilment of God’s pleasure.
Our next consideration is that since there is a work to be done, earlier established we are the ones as Christians to handle the work, but how?
SourceWHO DOES THE WORK
Phil 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God has given unto man a work, but in his mercy he still helps us in achieving his purpose, because he knows our frame that we are dust (Psalms 103:14) and we can do nothing of our own, bible says “by strength shall no man prevail”, also in 1 cor 3:6-7&9 Paul spoke concerning how that he and Apollos had planted and watered, but alas God gave them the increase. Several other scriptures such as Matthew 11:29-30 tells us how we should learn of Jesus and take his yoke upon ourselves that we may be able to please God. The relationship between God and the believer as much as it is a father- child relationship, it is also a partnership relationship in the sense that we have a part to play in the kingdom of God.
Hence for every work given, there is a dividends thereof, so it is in the kingdom of God. The work of which we have being called to have its benefit and reward.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE WORK
Heb 6:10 says “For God is not unrighteous to forget your works and labor of love in which ye have shown towards his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister”, this leads us to understand that as we carry out our part in the work of God, the pleasing of the father; he ensures that we get rewarded for our labor. 2 Tim 2:5-6 says “the husbandman is the first partaker of the fruit”, when a believer labors in the kingdom of God, he eats of the benefits thereof. Other scriptures such as Isaiah 1:19 says if ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land”, God has provided benefits to those that do his will and those that work for him, John 15:16 gives a pictorial explanation as Jesus speaking says “that whatsoever they shall ask in my name of my father, he may give to you”, explaining that he is the one that has called us to do his work (bring forth fruit), because bible says “herein is my Father Glorified (pleased) that ye bring forth much fruit”.
Source And finally, how can this work be done, through what means can a believer please God and what are the guidelines.
HOW TO PERFORM THIS WORK
The ability to perform the work of God is embedded in the word of God, as it is written in 2 Tim 3:16-17 “All scriptures are given by the inspiration of God and it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”. One of the fundamental ways to perform the work of God is by reading and doing the word of God, because the word of God contains the very mind of God; therefore the plans of God that would please him are communicated to us in his word. Another way to perform this work is by discipline and endurance, every job description is tasking to the worker; the wok of God also has its demand upon us as Christians to attend to. 1 cor 9:26-27, Apostle Paul educates the believer on the importance of discipline and endurance, Paul speaking said he keeps his body under subjection, that is to say there is chance for his body to derail him from the path of pleasing God. Jesus said unto his disciples “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”, hence we as “good soldiers of Christ are endure hardness (2 Tim 2:3)
Finally, Obedience is a prerequisite for the performance of the work. The work designated to a believer comes with instruction and directives of which if one does not heed to, there is no way he can properly perform the pleasing of God. 2 Tim 2:5, says “that an athlete is not crowned unless he strives lawfully”, this scripture depicts that there is a lawful way to attain the price, which is by simple obedience to his word.
The sole purpose of the work of the believer is to please the Father. Let us be a part of this work as dear children of God and by his grace we shall glorify God by our good works in Jesus mighty name.
There is now therefore a work for us to attend to, bible says “the night cometh when no man shall work”, hence as it is today let us do all diligence to do the work of God, to please he that has called us.
Shalom!!!