A Worker Approved by God

(Mazabuka, Zambia)

In real life we go to school so that we can get an education. We may then further our studies in order to obtain a higher qualifi- cation. When we see an advertisement that suits our credentials, we apply for the job. When we are picked for it, we try our best to please our employers by doing our very best to make it a job well done. This should be the same with God's work.

What kind of qualification do we need in order to be in the kingdom of God? Paul tells us, "Do your best to present yourself as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of God" (2 Timothy 2:15). How do we rightly handle the word of God? Paul again tells us, "It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now, as always, Christ will be honoured in my body whether by life or by death" (Philippians 1:20).

When we believe in Jesus Christ, we begin our qualification for God's kingdom. When we get baptized, we begin obeying the commandments of God and put off our old self, and we put on our new self which renews our minds, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:23-24). We must be united in the body of Christ, knowing well that in Christ we are all one, regardless of colour, race, language, education, culture and geographical location. Love unites us together. To confirm that we are one in Christ and that the number one has value, Paul goes on to say: "Therefore there is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph 4:4-6).

Jesus charged his disciples to preach the gospel to all parts of the world. This gospel has to be preached everywhere we go. Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and affliction.

The Bible tells us that he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labour, "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:8-9). We have a task to do in the Lord's field, we have to labour well and achieve His objectives by trying the very best we can to deliver the gospel to all parts of the world. The letter to the Hebrews warns us that we ought to take care how we cultivate in our field (the Lord's vineyard). We must make sure we do our work diligently without being a stumblingblock to those who hear our message of salvation.

Here is a challenge and a duty for us to perform before our Lord returns to establish the kingdom. We must do our work with open minds and without fear of telling the world how important it is to believe in God and His son Jesus Christ. We must not feel comfortable that now we are baptized we will be saved, but continue doing the Lord's work throughout our lives and let only death separate us from the Lord's vineyard. When we die in Christ Jesus, we must not be sad but rather rejoice together knowing that we are merely sleeping awaiting resurrection and God's reward of eternal life.

Bro. Gideon Hankamone