Labor is absolutely necessary to being a child of the Living God. There are works one must work in order to personally receive the benefits and blessings of hope in redemption promised by the everlasting love of the Lord (Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26). But even more pressing for the purposes of this study, there are works one must work in order to accomplish his/her purpose as a Christian in aiding others in receiving those benefits and blessings of salvation.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19); “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15); “The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men” (II Timothy 2:2); and “Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2) are all explicitly declared commands unto the elect of God, the church of Christ (Colossians 3:12; II Timothy 2:10). And it seemingly is the case that most have an earnest desire to see this labor accomplished, not only among children of God, but also among those of the world, who recognize the social benefits of a bold declaration of the gospel of peace. But how is it that this particular work, in addition to all of the other good works either commanded or authorized in the scriptures can be accomplished to the good of the world and the glory of God? Only in the church of Christ, who as to labor is the vineyard of God.
Christ, Himself, illustrated this fact in Matthew 20:1-16. The context of this parable was in response to the apostles’ inquiry as to what they should receive for their sacrifice of following Him. His answer through this parable was that regardless of when one entered the kingdom the reward of eternal life would be the same for all. However, embedded in this text is a valuable lesson on labor. Christ points out a householder, or one in charge of a vineyard, who went out and hired laborers into his vineyard settling on a penny a day as the price of reimbursement. Through the context of the parable it is known that the householder is Christ going out to gather precious souls to enter His church to render service unto God and be heirs of the precious gift of salvation. But could a person have rendered service unto the householder outside of the vineyard? Could the harvest have been gathered by remaining in the marketplace? No, because the point is made clear that the labor could only be rendered by those in the vineyard.
Similarly are the teachings regarding labor rendered unto God. He has called man unto the harvest (John 4:35), the question is whether or not we are willing to enter the vineyard. The church of Christ, the vineyard of God unto the laborers, is always open for additions to the workforce, and unto any who desire to serve God, to labor as Christians, that divine invitation stands open and ready at all times. Ultimately, though, there are five qualities of man that will affect his/her willingness to enter the vineyard and labor as a worker of God.
First is man’s Love. Man must love God enough to obey and serve Him (John 14:15); but also he must love himself enough to know the eternal benefits of his obedience and service and the everlasting consequences without them.
Second is man’s Attitude. The purpose of entrance into the temple in the Old Testament was to render service unto God, and David was of a joyful attitude to do such stating, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1). What is our attitude regarding entrance into God’s temple today, the church of Christ (I Corinthians 3:16-23), and rendering service to Him?
Third is man’s Behavior. Paul told the Thessalonian brethren that they should follow his example because hehad behaved himself, not being disorderly. One’s behavior affects the fruit of his labor because if he is blameworthy then his ministry will be blamed (II Corinthians 6:3), but if he is without reproach then reception will be his (II Corinthians 7:2).
Fourth is man’s Opportunities. Some might say that opportunities are the result of chance; but man controls his environment, and opportunity is commonly the result of the environment in which one has placed himself. Paul used his environment to ensure opportunity for service, as did Christ. We must use our environment to make opportunities to labor for God.
Fifth, and finally, is man’s Righteousness. Christ commanded that His followers shine their lights of righteousness before men “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The righteousness, or unrighteousness, of man will affect his usefulness in rendering labor unto God.
Do you, dear friend, desire to labor for the Lord? If so, delay not one second, but by obedience unto the gospel of Jesus Christ enter the church of Christ: as to labor the vineyard of the Lord.