God's Field

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Luke 10:2 (ESV)

To launch his small accounting business, a young entrepreneur hired two accountants fresh out of college. He provided them with job descriptions and all the necessary documents for their smooth operation. One of the accountants, too comfortable in his position and believing he was free to do anything, took out a loan from the business account without informing the owner. Despite all his apologies and explanations, he lost his job.

This is an attitude many Christians tend to adopt in the ministry God has entrusted to them. They believe they can run it as they see fit. This is a mistake Jesus Himself wanted us to avoid. In this single verse, Jesus implies two things that should draw your attention: (1) You don't have to do everything alone; (2) The gift you have received is not for your own satisfaction, but to fulfill God's will.

Asking the Lord of the harvest to send laborers to help you is your responsibility. Even if God sees your need for help, if you don't turn to Him, it means you're capable of anything. But this is false. The people in your care don't work for you, but for God. They are, like you, God's instruments for the work of ministry. Don't let yourself get carried away in God's field.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.