A Mind To
Work
Jerusalem was in a dilapidated state. The walls were broken
down, the gates were burned, and the people were in great distress. But
Nehemiah, longing to help his people, prayed to God. His prayer was heard, and
King Artaxerxes sent him to Jerusalem. And when he had spoken to the people, they put
their hands to the task, and as Nehemiah 4:6 reads, “the people had a mind to
work.” It was because of this commendable attitude that the wall was rebuilt.
What an example for the church of today to follow!
Christ’s
church should have a mind to work when it comes to benevolence. In His Sermon
on the Mount, Jesus said, “Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to
borrow from you do not turn away” (Matthew 5:42). When we fail to be generous with what we have,
we fail those who are in need, but we also fail ourselves by denying one of the
greatest joys on earth…giving.
The body of
Christ, (Ephesians 1:22-23) should have a mind to work regarding exhorttation.
Each member of the church is specifically urged to
engage in this practice. Elders (Titus 1:9), preachers (II
Timothy 4:2), and Christians in general (Hebrews 3:13) should all take on the task of
exhorting the brethren. Christians must study to know God’s word, (II
Timothy 2:15) and by that knowledge be able to exhort and
encourage others.
All
followers of Christ must have a mind to work in regard to teaching the gospel.
We must teach because it is by the gospel that men are drawn to Christ (John 6:44-45). We must teach because it is by the gospel
that faith is produced (Romans 10:17). And we must teach because it is by the gospel that men are saved (I
Corinthians 1:21).
The church of Christ must have a mind to work towards anything that God has commanded (John 14:15). Are you forsaking the good works of God? Toil today while you still
can.
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