REWARDED FOR WORKING FOR JESUS
Jesus said, if anyone would be his disciple they must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow him (Luke 9:23). But for those who suffer and work for him, he promises rewards in this this life, and eternal life with a crown of righteousness in heaven (Mark 10:30-31; 2 Timothy 4:8). For if we work and suffer with him we shall reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12).
He may ask us to join him in carrying the cross on our jobs or in different life situations. He rewards everyone who shares in bearing a cross or doing a job for him (Mark 10:30)
WORKING BY BEING AN EXAMPLE OF JESUS
As his representative, the Lord said: “You are the salt of the earth.” And, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14). The works of our lives should reflect Jesus to those whom he places in our sphere of influence.
WORKING FOR JESUS IN THE COMMUNITY
The Word of God says, whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people (Colossians 3:23). We owe our lives and everything to Jesus who redeemed us to God by his atoning death on the cross for our sin. We are bought with the price of his precious blood. (Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 1:19). Our Savior and Lord instructs us to render unto Caesar what belongs to Cesar, and unto the Lord what belong to Him (Matthew 22:21).
In pleasing the Lord, we should do a good job for our employer, who hired and pays us. We should not be a shirker of our duties or do a half-hearted job.
At school we should study hard to be successful; rather than cheat to pass or impress others.
We should obey and pray for societal authorities whom God has placed over us for our own protection and good (Romans 13:1).
Let us “pray for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1); and as we have opportunity: “let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).”
WORKING BY SHARING THE BURDENS OF OTHERS
Working for Jesus includes sharing the burden of others, as Jesus shared our burdens (Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 2:24). Listen to their problems with genuine concerns; and help where we can. Pray for God’s intervention in their lives and their salvation (1 Timothy 2:1-5). Fellowshipping and sharing with other believers will strengthen us and help us in working for Jesus (Hebrews 10:24-25)
REWARDED FOR WORKING FOR JESUS
In my praying and seeking to do what God wanted me to do, the Lord gave me a fulfilling jobs in substance abuse and prison rehabilitation programs. He used me in the community to be an example of Jesus sharing the burden of others. As a result of working for him, he used me to reach many program participants and co-workers for him. I was well-paid mentally, monetarily and spiritually.
Whatever your life situation, the Lord can use you to be a productive worker for him (Philippians 4:13). But whatever you do, do for the glory of God. For our work, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ guarantees to pay us well on earth; and assures us a crown of righteousness, and heavenly reward of eternal life with God (Mark 10:30-31; 2 Timothy 4:8).
