“we are God's fellow workers”

God is at work, and He is at work through us. Paul compares God’s work to a large field in which different tasks are carried out by different people at different times: planting, mulching, watering, weeding, thinning, pruning, propping… and God gives the growth. He also compares the same work to a building construction site where there is ground-clearing, excavations, laying foundations, plinth walling, ground slab, superstructure work, roofing, finishes, external works… and Christ is the only foundation stone upon which the building can stand.

Each one of us has work in the field; it is important to realize it and perform it. Jesus commissioned and sent out Apostles to make disciples of all nations by preaching the Word, baptizing and teaching (Matt 28:19-20); as the Church grew, the Apostles set apart from among the church members Deacons to assist them in certain administrative tasks. Many of the disciples who started as helpers or deacons later become powerful evangelists and pastors. By the time Paul and Peter write, all believers have gained a part to play: For Paul, there are varieties of spiritual gifts and ways to serve for the common good (1Cor 12:4-7); and Peter puts forward the priesthood of all believers with its associated responsibilities (1Pet 2:9).

The Anglican Cathechism teaches that the Ministry of the Laity is “to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.”

The call today is for us to realize that God is at work among us. It is not about any person, any vessel, any human participant – it is God at work. When you hear an encouraging Word, when the Spirit gives you peace in the middle of a storm, grace to overcome temptation or even to repent, when you are growing stronger in faith and hope, thank God for his servants, but most importantly that God himself is at work. Secondly, God is seeking vessels to use; Find your part and take your place, that the Church may be edified through your contribution.

God bless you all.