Persistent Labor

‘My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you’ (Gal 4:19)

‘The victory of His cross is extended only as faithful intercessors wrestle against dark powers and win through the power of Jesus name and the blood’ (Dick Eastman). Through the cross Jesus delivered all God’s creation from the power of sin and death, but the realization of that victory depends on a Christian’s labor or ministry to others. The little decisions we make whether to pray or not, whether to preach to that stranger or not, whether to have a little more patience for that new convert or not, is that which determines the final outcome. So Jesus prayed that the lord of the harvest will bring in more laborers. God is looking for Christians who will labor for souls in His kingdom.

The Apostle Paul’s words in Gal 4:19 paints a brilliant picture about what every Christian’s attitude should be when it comes to ministering to others. To begin with, Paul saw himself as a father; God has ordained you as a father, a caretaker to some people. Their future depends on the decisions you make. He has ordained that rivers of living waters will flow from your life to others, that the knowledge of God that flows through your life will bring life, hope and restoration to multitudes.

Secondly Paul reveals how much he labors for the people God has placed in his care, to be saved and transformed through God’s word. He compares ‘his pains and labors in the ministry of the word to the sorrows of a woman during the time of childbearing’ (Barnes). Clearly his love and tender compassion for the souls God has placed in His care is evident. As a Christian you should equally labor and go the extra mile to see others saved and transformed. This might mean sacrificing your time, money, prestige, etc.

A laborer works hard, and making disciples really demands hard work. Parents’ work does not end at the birth of their offspring but really begins there. Similarly the work that needs to be done for a born again Christian to grow is as equally challenging as the work of evangelism. Follow up and discipleship are the two main areas that a lot of churches are struggling to make an impact.

The harvest is indeed plenty, let us put aside all excuses and ‘deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'surely we did not know this, 'does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?’ (Proverbs 24:11-12)