Words of encouragement for Christian workers.

Service in the Lord's Church is a high and glorious blessing. Through service, Christians give praise to God, and help to further the Kingdom. Service in the Church allows believers to make use of their time, talents and treasure. Christian service faith in action; it is a way to strengthen fellow believers and to reach others for the Gospel.

The Church has always been blessed by those who willingly give of themselves for the sake of the Gospel. Without their faithful service, the mission and ministry of the Church would suffer. They often undertake the tasks that others are either unable or unwilling to do. They have as their model and guide the Savior who said: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:28) This is a model of service that Christ has given to all believers.

Christian workers are human, they can become both weary and overworked. These are difficult times in which to do ministry. This is nothing new. The Christian Church through the ages has always ministered during difficult times. The Church on earth will always face challenges. It can only find it's strength in the Lord of the Church. He has given the Church this everlasting promise:"I am with you always."(Matt. 28:20)The Holy Spirit empowers the saints, and equips them for service. He bestows gifts upon the saints so that they can carry out works of service.

There are many great challenges that face the Church in these days. These are difficult economic times which limit how the Church carries out ministry. There are many congregations that have seen declines in membership and in financial resources. Many congregations have been forced to either cut back on ministry, or even close. There are many congregations who have a small number of people doing the majority of the work. This means that are a lot things in the congregation remain undone because of the shortage of workers. These workers serve faithfully, but in time, they grow weary. They become burned out and discouraged. As a result, they either pull back in their service or quit. They sometimes leave the congregation and go elsewhere, or even stop attending Church.

I served as an active pastor from 1991-2005. There were times when I also experienced the stresses of service. These stresses, as well as other issues lead to burn out. During those years, I watched and encouraged worker who themselves were weary. Their service often went unappreciated. They often found themselves doing the work alone, without any support from other members.

There is a word of Scripture that had always strengthened me during my years of active service. These words are from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. This verse reads as follows;

"Therefore, my beloved brothers,be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord, knowing that the Lord, your labor is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58)

The text begins with these words of exhortation:"..be steadfast, immovable.."This means that believers are to be faithful, and be committed. This is a call to give full devotion and service to Christ. Christian service should never be done with the desire to gain praise from others. It is done to give praise and thanks to Christ. Service to Christ is never and easy task, but it is a blessed task. Those who render service are urged to be faithful, because there are many challenges that come with service. Some of the challenges come from fellow members who either do not serve, or might find fault with the Christian worker's service. Those who render service, are called to remain faithful in their service. As they serve, may they always keep their eyes fixed on the one whom they serve-Jesus Christ. He will make their service a blessing to the Church.

The text also says to be "Immovable." This means; "Not able or intended to be moved." Paul urges believers to stand their ground. Stand on the solid, and unshakable Gospel. There are many different forces that often try to move believers from this solid foundation. The world and the devil both try to move believers away from Christ, and to knock them off balance. The storms of life, and the challenges of ministry have their ways of knocking believers down. These challenges often cause believers to become both weary and discouraged in their service, and they just give up. If believers don't stand strong and are moved away from serving, then the devil has gained a victory. Let believers continue to serve, and do so, being both steadfast and immovable. Christ is the foundation for all service. He has given His Holy Spirit to empower believers in faith, and keep them firmly grounded on the Gospel.

The next section says; "Always abounding in the work of the Lord." The word, "abound", means; "To be in a state of movement or action." The Christian worker is on the move; there's too much to do. This text would tell believers to always be busy at the Lord's work, no matter how tough it might be. The challenges might be tough; keep at the work. The work might be overwhelming; keep at the work. The future might seem uncertain; keep at the work. Christian workers can keep on abounding in the Lord's work if they have both faith and vision. They need faith that looks to Jesus as the source of strength. They need to have a vision for outreach, and for bringing souls into the Kingdom.

There those might the Christian worker; "Are your efforts worth it?" The Christian worker would respond; "Yes." Service within the Kingdom is not a wasted effort. The text concludes with these words: "Knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." All that Believers do for Christ is a blessing, and gives praise to Him. There is no lack of work within the Kingdom. All the saints are needed to be about service. The Holy Spirit has granted gifts to all believers to use in service. There is much to do; there are many people in need of the Gospel. May those who have yet to use their gifts, find a place of service in the Kingdom. May those who are serving not grow weary nor discouraged. The service will not always be easy; but The Lord gives strength. The times might be difficult;
but the Lord brings His people through. Dear Saints, never grow weary, keep active in service, and know that your labors are a blessing to the Lord and to His Church.