Progress and the Kingdom
Few of God's people are allowed to see the full fruit of their work when they're alive. I think the reason for that is in order for God to get the glory, and for people to understand it comes from the hand of God through His blessing and enablement. After all, without Him we can do nothing. Whether we are allowed to see a lot of the results of our planting and watering, or not, isn't for us to be concerned with. Our job is to plant and water. It's God's job to give the increase. If we see significant results, great. If not, that's okay too. Our motivation for faithful service has to be from obedience to God, not in seeing the outcome of our work.
Think of the lives of Abraham, Jesus and Paul when their work on the earth was completed. There was very little to show for it immediately, yet over time, they have had extraordinary influence in the affairs of mankind. We must adapt the same way of viewing our service in the kingdom.
It's interesting to note that Jesus said the kingdom doesn't come with observation. We do see results through the centuries and years, yet we have a hard time, even in our Internet age, tracing back who it was that was a key to many things being as they are today. I think that's part of God's plan in order to reveal to men that it is He that is doing it, no matter who the instrument of the work is.
In other words, we shouldn't be doing things to be seen or given credit for, but rather to glorify God and be part of expanding His kingdom in history. If He wants to give a public pat on the back for service well done, we should humbly accept it, but quickly understand that the only and comprehend the only reason we were able to accomplish anything is because God gave us the power and ability to do so.
Taking everything into account, being told "well done thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21) should be enough for all of us.
In reference to God's kingdom, as the many parables of Jesus teach us, it will continue to grow and fill the entire earth. Our part is to be faithful in the part He gives us to work in; considering it a terrific privilege and honor to serve in some capacity.
What if Jesus Doesn't Return Soon
False End-time Prophecies and Loss of Functioning of Body of Christ
In the Heart of God before creation
Sit ... Until I Make Thine Enemies Thy Footstool
Some Thoughts on the Last Days
Great Encouragement
Taking Responsibility
Christian Service
Little Things
Progress and the Kingdom
Conclusion
No comments:
Post a Comment