Living to labour for God alone

As we come to the end of the year, the best form of appreciation we can show to the Lord is to recommit our lives to labour only and always for God’s glory as members of the body of Christ. Whatever we do or say, wherever we go and the decisions we make daily should be to the glory of God. We should not do anything to aid self, the flesh, the enemy of our souls, the Antichrist or promote the falling away of the last days. Rather, we should help in the propagation of the gospel, and one way to do this is by “Having [our] conversation honest [truthful and transparent] among the Gentiles.” When we do this, they would “by [our] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Our living to labour for God’s glory must also affect areas as basic as what we “eat, or drink.” Everything we do, whether small or great, common or uncommon, ordinary or extraordinary, we must “do all to the glory of God.” This will only be possible if we resolve on this last Sunday of the year to “not henceforth live unto [ourselves], but unto [Christ].” It means we would not hoard our ability, skill, intelligence and strength, but leave all at the disposal of the Lord.

Believers must have the conviction that we are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” That is, we are not of this world; our citizenship is in heaven. A pilgrim is like a nomad moving from place to place. As a result, they do not build anything permanent. As pilgrims, we are on a journey to our permanent habitation in heaven, which is our goal. Besides, God has appointed us here as ambassadors, strangers in a foreign land to represent Him and carry out His mission. As strangers, we are not totally under the control of the laws of this place. Accordingly, the dressing, tradition, language, entertainment and actions of the world should be strange to believers. On the other hand, our lifestyle too is strange to the world because our heart is always set on heaven and we do not fight for the things of this world.

Nonetheless, for strangers and pilgrims, things are not always rosy. We must not be involved in anything that would hinder us from going to meet the Lord at the rapture. This will require that we always remember our conviction and maintain the understanding that we are strangers and pilgrims on earth. The implication is that we “abstain from all appearance of evil” and fleshly lusts that drown men in the abominations of the world. We must not allow the world’s pressure to suck us into its system, no matter how much the people “speak evil of [us], as evildoers.”

Believers are “…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” Our peculiarity demands conscientiousness in our work life. Though strangers and pilgrims, we must maintain our distinctiveness, reflecting God’s marvelous light in our lives. Besides, wherever we find ourselves, we would live with the understanding that we have to be law-abiding. We would avoid the politics and idolatry at work or marketplace and instead embrace a godly work ethic. We would also not do the kind of work the people of the world do to make money.Rather, our goal will be to “do [our] own business, and… work with [our] own hands… [to] have lack of nothing.” Our honesty, sincerity and godly lifestyle should earn the world’s testimony.

As peculiar saints, we are not to be lawless or indulge in abominable practices for those who do so “shall receive to themselves damnation.” As pilgrims and strangers, our conscience is a good companion that makes us to live the way we ought. If we work according to the dictates of our conscience, we will be honest and hardworking; observant and objective; loyal and law-abiding; incorruptible and influential; noble and nurtured; exemplary and experienced; submissive and sincere; selfless and strategic.

Believers are commissioned to “follow [Christ’s] steps” in leaving a gracious legacy behind for others to follow by preserving God’s word. For this to be a reality, the following key principles must be adhered: one, follow His steps (verse 21). Two, freed from sin (verse 22). Three, faultless while suffering (verse 23a). Four, faithful in surrender (23b). Five, fruitful through sacrifice (verse 24). Six, fellowship with the Saviour(verse 24b). Seven, faith in His stripes (verse 24c). Eight, fearless under the Shepherd (verse 25). Nine, we’re fortified for service. We are empowered and emboldened to serve God effectively without weakness under His guidance.
• Further Reading (King James Version): 1 Peter 2:11,12; Romans 15:5,6; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31; and 2 Corinthians 5:14,15;amongothers.