BE THE FIRST IN DOING GOOD
Very often we can hear some older
members comment that most of the educated youths of our Church today are not
concerned with the commission of evangelism entrusted to them by the Lord. They
say that these youths do not accept the commission voluntarily even at the time
when the Church is badly in need of their services.
To dedicate oneself
to become a full-time preacher is certainly not an easy matter because it does
present many difficulties. However, the main reason for one being reluctant to
accept this commission is the lack of faith. If one has a strong faith, then
there should not be any problem.
Evangelism is the most urgent
mission for the present Church and preaching itself is a noble task. The Church
now is in need of people who are spiritually gifted and capable (not necessary
to be highly educated) to carry this burden. In truth, the worldly professions
are not comparable to this holy task, because they are temporarily good for oneself, whilst the holy work is meant for the eternal
blessings of millions of people. We strive to preach, not for the future
reward, but to fulfill the commission entrusted to us by the Lord. While
offering oneself, one should have the attitude of ‘saving others as if it is
saving oneself. It is written in Proverbs — “Rescue those who are being taken
away to death, hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter” (Prov 24:
11). People of this world are heading towards the path of destruction, so they
need us to hold them back.
During the Old Testament period
the Israelites were suffering in Egypt, and when Moses saw this he
was very sad. He gave up his luxurious life in the palace and forsook worldly
pleasure so as to live and die with God’s chosen people. Paul of the New
Testament, chose to remain single for the Lord, which is worthy of our
admiration. There is an old Chinese saying which means ‘to be behind none in
the desire to benefit mankind’. Thus those upon whom is bestowed the gift of
preaching should take up the commission willingly so as to repay the grace of
redemption (Ps 116: 12—13; 2 Cor 5: 1 4—15). Therefore one should not ponder
over the consequences but should accept the commission willingly because God
has arranged to provide for one’s needs.
Paul exhorted us, “Brethren by the
mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12: 1). The Lord’s
second coming is near, so “we must work the works of Him who sent me, while it
is day; night comes, when no one can work” (Jn 9: 4). Hence the educated youths
of the True Jesus Church should not bury the gifts from the Lord, but should
wake up now and be fervent. Come forward to offer your talent and gifts by
propagating the gospel of salvation to all corners of the world, in order to
receive the second coming of the Lord. Amen.