WE ARE WORKERS TOGETHER WITH GOD

TUESDAY 13 JULY 2021

We are called by God and to God Himself to work with Him in His glorious Kingdom. In other words, God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereign power, has chosen to accomplish His will on this earth through us.

Reference: 2 Corinthians 6:1 King James Version (KJV) "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."

Paul urged his co-workers, appealing to them not to receive the grace of God in vain because the era of salvation had come. As co-workers with God and "ambassadors for Christ", God was making His appeal to mankind through them (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). By that means, they were working together with God as His representatives on earth.

As a result, Paul encouraged his co-workers to be Christlike and diligent and never to take the grace of God for granted. By this, Paul was making reference to the way the Corinthians were responding to this amazing message of the Gospel. Although he encountered a lot of challenging experiences with co-workers, the power of God was being clearly demonstrated in and through them. Therefore, Paul implored them that no matter what they faced, they must keep going and keep accomplishing God's mission through them. This is because - their sacrifice in labouring for the Kingdom was bringing the riches of eternal life to many people, which means it wasn't in vain.

Many a time, regardless of troubles, challenging situations and distresses, Paul and his team continued to rejoice in their work because of the results, meaning that their sacrifices were indeed not in vain or without results. God poured out His power in response to their Kingdom work and their diligence in it. Likewise, we are co-workers with God in our Christian calling and by the Spirit, we are called to work harmoniously with a shared goal of expanding God's Kingdom and fulfilling His purpose on earth. God called us and put us together as His family, to accomplish His purpose in us, to glorify Him and to live the exemplary life of Jesus in our world.

Beloved, God doesn't just lay the responsibility of the Kingdom on us and leave us to it. He walks with us, works in partnership with us, works in us and through us as He fulfils His purpose on earth. And this partnership is primarily an active relationship rather than just a Christ-like activity. Through this active relationship with God, we engage in loving outreach to the world. No wonder 1st Corinthians 3:9-11 (GNT) says, "For we are partners working together for God, and you are God's field. You are also God's building." This denotes a sense of mingling and association. Having received God's grace for this purpose, we will not be doing so in vain, rather by the Spirit of God, we shall continue to yield tremendous results by leading many to salvation through faith in Christ. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 3:23; Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 4:11-12; Philippians 2:2.

Guided Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for making me a vital part of your Kingdom and for giving me the opportunity as your representative, to glorify you on earth. As your co-worker in your glorious Kingdom, I'm daily positioned in Christ to align myself with your will and purpose and function in a manner that maximizes your influence and glory in my world. By your Spirit, I'm empowered to share the gospel and shine the light of Christ into this dark world, thereby bearing the most fruit for your Kingdom, in Jesus' Name, Amen!