On this Labor Day, I am thankful for being able to work, for having a job, for the freedom to choose the type of work I love and for those that labor along side me.  In several places believers in Christ are called God’s coworkers.  What does that mean?

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3 describes his ‘co-working’ for God.  “⁵ What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.⁶ I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. ⁷ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. ⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.    Apollos was a new testament believer that Paul met and taught, then he went out and taught others about Jesus.  Paul calls both of them servants working to spread the gospel of Christ neither is greater than the other.  From the one who first tells of Jesus to the one who teaches, they both have an invaluable place in God’s work.  God alone is the one who accomplishes the growth from the seeds we plant and water.

This position of being a co-worker with God in His kingdom is a place of honor and true significance.  Our purpose is clear- tell others about Jesus and honor God in all we do.  Isn’t that how we want to be known in our place of work?  We want others to listen to what we have to say- thus we need to be able to listen.  We want others to work beside us-thus we have to be able to work with others and cooperate towards a common goal.  We want the freedom to work and achieve thus we have to be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to motivate, inspire and center us for God’s work.   Being a coworker with God is an awesome responsibility and a great privilege.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for giving me the privilege to work along side you in ministry.  I know you could do all the work yourself, but you allow me to stand, tell and show the world who you are in my life.  Thank you for your indwelling Holy Spirit that motivates, guides and completes me  so that I can be an effective worker for you.  Amen.

Have a blessed Labor Day!

Linda