Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Put Your Full Effort Into the Lord’s Work

When I first entered the job market and worked in my first few jobs, I learned a lot about being dedicated and doing a good job. For me and many others, it wasn’t enough to do the job. It became important to do our best every single time regardless of who was watching us. Those opportunities helped me build a strong work ethic. I learned to be a few minutes early to every shift, to give it my all when doing anything and always be professional and courteous. It wasn’t enough to be mediocre at my job and it didn’t matter what position I had. Doing my best all the time was that one thing that prepared me for the next step in my career.

As you grow as a Christian, you learn that it is not enough to just say you are a Christian. It is your responsibility and job in God’s kingdom to do your best all the time. You are to be an example of the virtues of leading a godly life and to not only follow the teaching of Jesus but also put his teaching to work each day. You cannot be mediocre in your faith and pretend to be a Christian. Your example of faith brings glory to the Lord and your life becomes a testimony to those who are lacking that one thing in their lives that will complete them.

The apostle Paul, in chapter fifteen of his first letter to the Corinthians, writes, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

When you are doing the Lord’s work, you should always be enthusiastic. Everything that you do brings glory to the Lord. Nothing is ever wasted or found to be useless in the Kingdom. You may not see the value of your work immediately, but I can guarantee you that the Lord sees all that you do and will reward your efforts in accordance with His will and time. There were times when I did things that the Lord directed me to do and I didn’t see the immediate value in it. I did what I was led to do with enthusiasm and without question, but, I didn’t see the value. All I knew was what Paul had said, “nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless”. In time, I was blessed with the understanding of the value of my work. But, sometimes we may not see it. It takes time for things to click into place. Once they do, you will be witness to a miracle.

Those miracles come in various sizes. Some of them benefit a great many people while others may only bless one person. No matter the size, the work and effort put into the situation is magnified and is rewarded by the Father. Just being part of a miracle is a blessing in and of itself. 

In one of my favorite “Twilight Zone” episodes, “The Night of the Meek”, the character, Henry Corwin, played by the great Art Carney, said enthusiastically about the Santa Claus bag that he carried that produced gifts for everyone, “As long as it’s putting out, I’m putting in.”

As Christians, we can, without reservation or doubt, say that Father God “puts out” daily for His children. We are blessed every single day. Each breath and heartbeat are a gift from the Father. Each need that is met comes from His bountiful hand. He doesn’t do all those things just because He has to. He does those things and so much more because He loves us. He loves us far beyond our understanding of the word love. His greatest gift to all was the gift of His son, Jesus.

Jesus came to teach us and show us God’s unconditional love for us. By acting as our atonement sacrifice, he “put in” what we couldn’t. There was no possible way for us to repay our debt of sin. Our disobedience had led us astray and God’s plan of salvation gave us a way back to Him. That way back is through Jesus.

So, as God “puts out” for us daily, we need to be “putting in” daily. We should show our undying gratitude and love for the Father and also serve our brothers and sisters. By working enthusiastically in God’s kingdom, we profess our faith and love and act as an example to others. As the world witnesses our work, some will see the light and follow the teachings and example of Jesus and accept him as their personal Savior and Lord. 

When we see others accepting God’s gift of salvation, then we see immediately the value of our work. It is through our labors that others will come to know the joy that we have in our hearts as we continue to work tirelessly for the Lord. 

In chapter nine of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

As others see our labors, some will decide that they need to “put in” as well. In time, more will join the family to not only serve the Father but also serve His children. When we “put in”, God showers us with blessings and continues to give us opportunities to “put in” even more. 

The work is hard and no one ever retires from the Kingdom. We must dedicate our lives to “putting in” enthusiastically daily. As we continue the work of the Father, one day we will see the value of what we have done.

In chapter four of the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us what we are to expect when the work is done, “The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!”

When you go out into the fields to plant and harvest, do it daily with enthusiasm and know that everything that you do has value in the eyes of the Lord. Your work will be rewarded with the gift of eternal life with the Father. So, as the Lord continues to “put out” for you by showering you with blessings, you need to “put in” for Him. When you do, you can confidently stand firm in His grace. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.