12/12/2021 Working Together ~Rev. Bernie Chung
In Christian gatherings, we make it a practice to thank God for the food on the table before we eat. This gesture is often incomprehensible to some of us who are not saved by grace. Aren’t the grains and vegetables the fruit of labor from the farmers who sow and till the farmland? Why should we give credit to God and thank him? This question leads to a spiritual truth: God and us need to work together. In this world, the creator God gives us land to cultivate. The farmers work hard to loosen the soil and sow seeds while God provides enough sunshine and rain. If there is no sunshine and precipitation, would loosening the soil and sowing the seeds yield any harvest from the farmland? Clearly God has planned and played a role in the growth of crops and the raising of livestock which people cannot achieve by working alone. When God works with man and vice versa, wonderful things will be accomplished.
We work with God not only in the animal and plant world, but more importantly in the spiritual world. God not only works with pastors and preachers. He also works with all Christians who have the desire to make the world a better place. Are we willing to participate in God’s plan for the world? If we miss this opportunity, we will not experience the joy in harvesting. God may use someone else to carry out his will. We ought to realize that God has given each one of us a unique mission in life. Our roles and responsibilities in our family, society, and church may differ, and at times the task at hand may seem overwhelming. Knowing God is our co-worker will help us carry out God’s mission with assurance, and enable us to live our lives abundantly.
Colossians 4:11 (NIV) says: “Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.” The Apostle Paul was comforted by the help of three Jewish co-workers who had been circumcised during Paul’s imprisonment. Needless to say, Paul's gratitude to God was immense.
Working together is also important for our church to carry out God’s ministries. We thank God for all the deacons, council members, chairpersons, secretaries, auditors, and committee members in our midst. Many of our church members serve in these committees: Publication, Fellowship, Christian Education, Nominating, Finance, Evangelism, Purchase and Maintenance, Music and Worship, Visitation, and Food Service. There are brothers and sisters who work very hard behind the scenes especially during the pandemic. With their collective efforts, our church ministries continue while we adjust to the “new normal”. As 2021 is about to fade into history, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Lord and every brother and sister who has served him faithfully. By working together with God, your hard work is never in vain.
Amen!