Glen Head

There are many things that the Bible calls a Christian to be in the work of the Lord. Whether being a man or woman there are things that can be done with enthusiasm or zeal, yet there are some things that we feel like failures. How do we find what we are comfortable doing and doing it with fervor? God does not leave us without an answer concerning our attitudes and the appreciation for the value of the Gospel and all that is entailed in the work of the Church.

Sometimes we get too involved in tradition and our mindset gets bogged down in the same ole same ole and the work of the church gets to be dreary and depressing. Have we considered that maybe we are not working in those areas for the right reasons? In 1 Timothy 4:7-8 the Bible reads that we should exercise (train) ourselves rather unto godliness. Going on, it reads that godliness is profitable unto all things. When we are in the right frame of mind it is easier to find a niche or several niches that we really accelerate in. There are many that put too much value in bodily exercise, but they leave other things undone. When we are focused on godliness the things of the world concerning ungodliness tend to fade away. There are two scriptures that put forth the promise and the hope of why we must continue on. Not only for the life we now lead but also the life which is to come. (1 Tim. 4:8, Titus 2:12-13)

In finding a “God given” niche we must not forget that we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. (Eph. 2:10) This is our purpose; we are His workmanship. Everyday we should be striving to be more like Him. And yes, there were times when Christ seemed to get frustrated in His work, but He saw it through to the end. His purpose was to be the Lamb that would redeem mankind. He was the only one that could be that all-powerful sacrifice. There are things we can set our minds to do that only a handful of Christians are willing to do in the work of the Lord. We may enjoy visiting the sick and shut-in. We may enjoy cooking for others and making phone calls to those who missed Sunday morning worship. In those things mentioned it isn’t like there are droves of Christians willing to put forth any effort in that area. Yet one or two are the very ones that sacrifice their time in mowing the grounds at the building, or maybe even raking or shoveling snow or mowing yards for others. The simple things tend to be toilsome to many, yet provide an extraordinary benefit to many brethren.

We were not only created to do good works, but also to be zealous in doing those works. (Titus 2:14) Earlier in this chapter the aged women were commanded many things in which they were to teach or work to obtain the objective by others. The teaching to the younger women could possibly be monotonous and upsetting, especially like today, when there are many that abdicate their responsibilities. Whether it be the aged not fulfilling their responsibilities in teaching or the younger wives neglecting their roles as wives, mothers and/or being the keepers of the home. Being zealous, one has a mission in mind and in every godly way tries to fulfill that mission and then picks up and goes on to the next work that needs to be completed. Men are not exempt from being zealous as Christians. We teach, we lead in worship, we preach, we (those that are spiritual) speak, exhort and rebuke with all authority when the situation arises. The aged men are to be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. (Titus 2:2) Do we abdicate our responsibilities as men or are we like the men of the Bible having a love and a passion for the work of the Church?

If we are men and women of the Bible then we should be prepared unto every good work. (2 Tim. 2:21) As Christians and those “which have believed in God” we must be careful in maintaining those good works which are set forth for they are good and profitable to all men. (Titus 3:8) Paul goes on to say we need to learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that we be not unfruitful. (Titus 2:14) Whether we be men or women, old or young, we must in all things show ourselves as putting forth a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (Titus 2:7-8)

Finding a “niche” seems to have more to do with one’s attitude and experience in the work of the Lord. To get experience, you must work. To start feeling more comfortable and adequate in the work, you must do more and not be so downtrodden when failures or disappointments come your way. We serve a faithful and loving God. He sees what we do. That may be good or that may be bad. Too many times we focus on others and what they do or don’t do when we should focus on what Christ has done. Remember what Paul wrote to those who were drowning in their own worldliness and cares; Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor. 15:58) We are a blessed congregation here at Sunny Slope. Let us faithfully continue in the work that is before us.