Today’s church is facing a crisis of a diminishing work force with faithful servants retiring in record numbers while the world population is exploding. Tolerance, compromise, and worldliness signal the beginning of the end of the effectiveness of the church of God. Enjoying the benefits of Christianity, without the commitment to fulfill the Great Commission is a gross error. Immorality and vice have infiltrated the church so that little difference from the world is observed. Christians are falling prey to sin, disqualifying themselves from service in record numbers. The need for dedicated, godly servants has never been greater. Christian service must not be relegated only to pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. The work of the ministry requires a much larger work force that encompasses all Christians!
Sometimes young people as well as adults are confused about terms used concerning the search for God’s will and purpose for life. Scripture must always be the final authority on the call to ministry. Through prayer and dependence upon God, we can know His perfect will; anything less than total surrender hinders the Holy Spirit, and insures that we will never be certain of God’s perfect will. The Bible speaks plainly about the great need for laborers and admonishes Christians to pray for more workers to be sent into the harvest.
Matthew 9:36-38 “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Matthew’s reference to laborers was not limited to a few select disciples or a few who felt called to preach. Perhaps a partial reason for today’s complacency in churches is due to a failure to understand the calling of all men and women to be laborers for Him. I would like to envision our world filled with surrendered believers who are eager to become part of the work of God in the harvest field. Everyone cannot be an apostle, a prophet, or a pastor; but certainly every believer can become a laborer. Only through submission to God can Christians discover the true will of God and prepare themselves to further His kingdom. Christian service is always preceded by surrender to God! God has a place of service for you! There will be no shortage of workers when believers are surrendered completely to the Lord. You may never experience the bright light on the Damascus road, but you, like Paul, can pray, “What shall I do, Lord?
