God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV)
Jesus told us to pray for laborers. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matt. 9:37, 38). Laborers are people who are ready to work long and hard in order to bring in the harvest.
Think of Jesus—the miles He covered and the extent of His ministry in three years. He was always moving on to the next towns and villages to bring the good news of the gospel. You see the same in the Apostle Paul and his apprentice Timothy.
These are our models of ministry. They are not laid back. They are vigorous, energetic, and relentless in bringing the gospel to a lost world.
Timothy is called God’s “fellow worker,” and this is a wonderful encouragement for hard workers. Ministry is entering into what God is doing in the world. When you see that, it will change your whole perspective on the hard work of ministry. If we think God’s work depends on us alone, we will quickly be discouraged. The world is too big. The needs are too many. The resources are too small. The problems are too great. The time is too short.
If we understand that God is at work, and we can become involved in what He is doing, then we will have a new sense of privilege and fresh energy in His work.
Parents, teachers, and youth leaders, you are not in this on your own. God is at work, and you are God’s fellow worker. Those who are engaged in ministries of care and compassion, or those who are engaged in missions and evangelism, you are not in this on your own. God is at work, and you are God’s fellow worker, too.
This is a great incentive to work hard for Christ.
Is there some area of ministry with your family, friends, neighbors, or church where you feel like the work depends mostly on you? Think about what it means that God is your fellow worker in this area of ministry too.
