Workers for the Kingdom of God
»»» Workers for the Kingdom of God
The book of Colossians is an incredibly rich book, filled with all kinds of poetic beauty that exalts the glory of God, and piercing challenges to our discipleship. It contains some of the most well known passages about Jesus (Colossians 1.15-23). We are challenged to focus our attention and our passions on the beauty and work of God in the world: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3.2). In the midst of all this wealth, it can be easy to miss one of the powerful phrases in the book. As he is drawing his book to a close, Paul refers to some people as his “fellow workers for the kingdom of God” (4.11). This simple phrase shapes our imagination about the work of our lives for God.
»»» Workers in the kingdom — not the builders, but workers.
God builds it. We are simply God’s hands, God’s feet.
It’s God’s power, not ours — God’s greatness, not ours.
But still, we work. We labor. We sweat.
Our hands get calloused, and our bones get weary.
Still, we work. For the Kingdom. For the world. For God.
God sustains us. God gives us what we need, for it is God’s power on display. Pushing us. Providing for us. Equipping us for the task.
The work is hard. The challenge is real. The stakes are high.
We know the requirements. Love God. Love others. Proclaim the Good News of the loving reign of God, who offered his son.
We are workers…for the kingdom of God »»» Good news! Peace! Joy!
Forgiveness! Righteousness! Freedom! Life! Justice! Purity! Hope!
When you get discouraged, and the work seems too much, remember, we are in this together, to share the burdens & the joys. And, above all, we are in this with God! For it is God’s Kingdom.
—Brad Schrum