[311 words]
Have you ever been accused of “over doing it” or “going overboard” when it comes to working for the Lord? Most of us might reply, “Not often!” Others of us might think we “overdo” sometimes, but we probably don’t. Still, being an “overachiever” and “go getter” when it comes to church work is something that we as Christians should be known for.
The apostle Paul reminded the church at Corinth that they were to become “over-doers” or “second milers” when it came to working for the Lord. He wrote it this way, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
Did you notice the word “abounding” in that passage? It means “overflowing in abundance, exceeding expectations, doing more than what is required.” Did you also notice what Paul specifically exhorts brethren to “overflow in abundance” doing? That’s right. “The work of the Lord.”
When it comes to the Lord’s work, do others find us being timid or even reluctant to be more involved? Shouldn’t each of us be known as “over achievers,” with a volunteer spirit and willingness to do far more than what is expected or what might be considered our “duty?”
Of course Paul was writing to 20-year-old Christians who have endless amounts of energy to “abound” with. Right? Wrong! Did you also notice the word “always?” It means “consistently throughout our lives.” There is no age specification in this passage. Each of us should do more than our share of the work. We are taught and expected by God to “abound in the work of the Lord over our entire lifetimes.”
How about you? Is your schedule full and overflowing when it comes to the Lord’s work?
Ed Thomason
via Chapman Church of Christ
Ripley, MS