One day, we will answer for how we have used all that God has given us. When that time comes, we will want to be able to look back on a lifetime of work that was trustworthy. We will not want to be workers “ashamed” of our work (2 Timothy 2:15).
Paul did not see his sufferings simply as worldly hardships — he saw them as opportunities to honor Christ and influence others. No matter what happened, Paul was always looking for a way to exalt the Lord in dealing with his difficulties.
When the Prodigal Son came to his senses and returned home penitently to his father (Luke 15:20-24), the scene in which they were reunited is meant to tell us what it can be like when we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God spiritually.
Working constructively toward peace challenges both our wisdom and our courage. It calls for the highest and best within us. May we be people whose work results in a greater degree of true harmony, based upon the revealed truth of God’s word.
The firm foundation of what God has once and for all revealed stands in contrast to all the opinions of human wisdom about what is “necessary.” As for our own judgment, we should have a healthy skepticism about how reliable our own opinions are.
May we all eagerly wait for the judgment of Christ, who will appear for our salvation on that day. With Paul (1 Corinthians 16:22 NKJV), may we gladly say, “O Lord, come!” And with Peter (2 Peter 3:12), may we “hasten” the coming of the day of God!
