Working With God

 My beloved brothers and sisters,

In the rich and nurturing ground of Corinthians 3:7-9, we can dig deeper into how we can be God’s co-workers and serve others through our works. Imagine yourself as a diligent gardener in the never-ending fields of our Lord’s great creation, with each seed of kindness and every act of compassion being a unique contribution to the holy garden.

A simple smile has the power of a seed that when planted, can blossom into you in someone’s heart. When we greet others with warmth and genuine kindness, we water the soils of human connection, allowing the bonds of love to grow and flourish. We find the potential for immense impact in these small acts.

Think about when we extend a helping hand to those in need. Whether it’s offering assistance to a struggling friend, supporting a neighbor in times of hardship, or volunteering in our community, we become collaborators with Jesus’s mission of building a foundation of compassion. Through our unity in service, we are part of the living testament. 

The words we speak have the potential to shape worlds. Encouraging words are like seeds of affirmation, nurturing self-worth and confidence in others. Furthermore, our ability to listen attentively with the intent to understand and empathize can be the water that soothes the parched souls of those facing challenges. We’re co-creating spaces for healing in these conversations.

I encourage you to think of a time when a community came together for a shared cause. Whether it was addressing social injustice, alleviating suffering, or cheering on a cause of the marginalized. (The events of 9-11 come to my mind where a horrific day was met with a beautiful reaction.) Our collective actions become the bricks and mortar of a society built on the foundations of justice, compassion, and equality.

Each one of us is a finely tuned instrument, playing a unique part in the heavenly composition. As co-workers with Christ, we orchestrate the melody of service, kindness, and love. How blessed are we that our lives are a reflection of divine harmony? It is my prayer that our music inspires others to join the chorus, cultivating a world where God’s love is evident in every deed and shared moment.

Go forth my faithful friends, knowing that your labor is not in vain. Embrace the role as the Good Sheppard’s co-pilot with enthusiasm, for in the garden of life, your works are integral to the blooming of our Lord and redeemer’s kingdom on Earth.

Amen,

Steven