Some time ago, one of my children noted the challenges of navigating group work at Masters level studies. Knowing that that attitude entailed in prior course didn’t make the current issue less desired. That consolation couldn’t change the disappointment, but offered the reminder that God will help us cope yet again.
Despite my child’s misgivings, the presentation was a success. We noted that collaboration is normal and is part of how we operate in the workplace. After all, no one is an island. In this season as we reflect on friendships, might we always be the colleague others rely on rather than the undesired one. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat
Luke 10:1-2 CEVDCI
[1] Later the Lord chose 72 other followers and sent them out two by two to every town and village where he was about to go.
[2] He said to them: A large crop is in the fields, but there are only a few workers. Ask the Lord in charge of the harvest to send out workers to bring it in.
Workers Needed: Consult the Lord
Though being sent out to evangelise, Y’shua compared evangelism to harvesting crops. Harvesting is (and, seemingly was) a labour intensive task. Even if managed by machines rather than humans, it does not diminish getting all the mature produce, separating the quality yield and packaging for market readiness. Some crops are low lying or the yield is underground, others are way above and require devices to assist or climbing to be reached. Usually there’s a particular time in which the task must be completed, hence the need for many workers.
Of course, the type of crop defines the worker needed for harvesting. It is likely that taller persons would handle the cross way above, while those low lying or underground would be suited to persons who are shorter. Perhaps even more important than physical features or skill however, is the workers’ willingness to work. For, in most spaces of work, there’s a mixed bunch. Some are there only for the pay, some are slow but earnest, and others are truly dedicated. Also, there are those who are great with the physical requirements of the task, but their toxicity presents liabilities to the employer.
Self-Check
What kind of worker are we? Would our bosses wish to promote us if the opportunity arose?
Application
In completing applications for group-related vacancies, many of us state that we work well in teams. But do we? When working for the Master Employer, whose fields are ready for harvesting, do we suggest that we work well with others? If our friends here on earth were to speak in our favour, could they honestly say we shoulder our responsibilities, or that we are persons of integrity? And would Y’shua concur?
The fact is siblings, there truly is a vast harvest. It is global and the season for us as harvesters is upon us. The crop is ripe and ready. God is sending us in advance to the spaces where God’s revival must take place. The Lord of the harvest has already authorised us and equipped us for the section of the vineyard to which we have been assigned. Yes, it is labour intensive work. But, being our omniscient God, God has already assigned us the partner needed for this time and segment of the work of evangelism.
The person may be less or more experienced than we are for the task God has assigned us. If they are less experienced, will we offer necessary support for the work to run smoothly in this season? And what is our attitude toward those with more experience? Is the Lord of the harvest satisfied with how we relate to our coworkers in the vineyard? Can God count on us, to the extent of saying, ‘Have you seen my servant, [insert our name here], as God spoke of Job in Job 1? How satisfied is God with the quality of our harvesting attitude?
For some of us, this has not yet been tested, as we have not yet reported for duty. We have mistakenly bought into the belief that harvesting is the work of evangelists and pastors. To some extent it is true. Because Peter says all who believe are God’s anointed. It means each of us has capacity to serve in God’s harvest fields.
Hence, there’s the five fold ministry: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists (Ephesians 4:11). God wants us all to be part of the work even if we’re not top leadership. We might not have an official task assigned to us in the congregation, but like Philip, there may be even one person awaiting our assistance in understanding God’s Word (see Acts 8:26-40). For us to fulfill our calling, we must be ready to work and yoked with the right colleague. Are we the right colleague for others in God’s vineyard?
Point to Ponder
God’s harvest requires you and me to be ready and willing to work. As we hear God’s call, let us be open to the task and also offer ourselves as the reliable colleague for the work.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
