We love the idea of being an internationally acclaimed minister, perhaps a Joel Osteen, a Billy Graham, or even a Mother Teresa. We want our Christian example to shimmer with the Glory of God and draw the world-weary sinner to the cross.
Someone, however, has to build the pulpits behind which our ministers stand, and fund the Missionaries of Charity that serve the needy. Merriam-Webster says a craftsman is someone who practices his or her craft with skill and dexterity. We need people in the field, men and women who are skilled at doing something and who can make beautiful objects by hand for use in the Lord’s work.
1 Corinthians 16:2 confirms that all of us are to participate, and we start by building a reservoir of funds to begin our work.
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
Romans 8:28 assures us that our efforts will result in good for the purposes of Christ.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
John 3:3 reveals the essence of our mission as workers for him.
“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ ”
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 is our craftsman’s tool belt, and we first fill it with prayer.
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”
What else goes in our tool belt for Christ? Skills, of course, those of childcare, law and its practical application, building design, lawn work, cleaning, financial assistance, and compassion toward the hurting. All these and more are how we support the ministries of the Joel Osteens, the Billy Grahams, and the Mother Teresas of this world. Without our help, their ministries would be impossible. It takes the Christian craftsman to build the foundation upon which they stand.
Without the sweat of ordinary Christians, the work of the Mighty Men of Faith we so admire would crumble in shards of disarray. When we do the little things for Christ that no one seems to notice, we help raise the standard of God’s love, enabling us to draw in the rest of the world.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.F.19.16d.vp.esv