Simon Peter preached an amazing message in Acts 2. Three thousand people trusted in Christ following that sermon. Acts 2:42 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The word fellowship speaks of “participation” or “to share in.” Those who were saved that day saw the need for even new believers to participate in the faith.
Later, Paul will write to the church in Philippi using this word. Philippians 1:5, “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Think of those early members of this church. There was Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and possibly the young damsel. They did not merely want to fellowship with the church. They wanted to participate in the church. Do you remember when the Lord called you to serve Him full time? More than likely, you were already deeply involved in the work of our Lord. Still, the next level was probably both exciting and frightening.
Do we find our Lord’s work exciting and frightening today? I remember others telling me when I began training at Bob Jones University that Bible college would be one of the easiest places to backslide because my study of the Bible would become academic. We must be cautious in the service of the Lord. If we are not careful, our labor of love could quickly become a mere professional endeavor. There should always be an air of excitement about the prospects of accomplishment in our work. It encourages us to strive to do better. We grow, we learn, and we make adjustments to take our life’s work to higher levels. Otherwise, we become complacent, lazy, and satisfied.
There should always be a measure of reverential fear. The Lord calls us to stand between the living and the dead. Your ministry is going to be the difference between heaven and hell for the many lives that you will touch. We must not approach the Lord’s work with arrogance and pride. But realize that without Him, we can do nothing. Reverence for the Lord and love for His work will go a long way toward helping us to be successful in fulfilling His purpose for our calling.
Pause to remember what you felt in the early days of your ministry. Add to that the important lessons that you have learned since then. Now dream about all that God is capable of doing through you in the days ahead.
In His Service,
Danny A. Whetstone
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. Whetstone here to let him know.