​THERE’S WORK TO DO. By Angela Holloway Northside church of Christ Tucson Arizona

 
 
After giving thanks to my God for allowing me to see another day, one of the first things I do is turn on the news.  My reason for doing this is to hear the weather forecast for the day.  Although the forecast seems favorable for the day, I still open the door & peek my head outside to get an idea what I should wear for the day.  I know I am not alone in my morning routine, but it had me thinking, “How often do we check our temperature in service to God?”  Are we hot?  Are we cold?  Are we warm?  Are we cool?  Are we on fire for the Lord?  OR have our souls grown cold with apathy & freezing indifference?
 
In Christ’s words to the Ephesian Christians in Revelation 3:16, it appears that God does take notice of our spiritual temperature in His service.  “Be not deceived!  God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7).  God knows where we always stand with Him.  Are we enthusiastic about the Father’s business?  OR have we become frustrated & stagnated in the work of saving souls?  The LORD expects us to choose activity that leads to productivity.  So, what are we to do to affect change in ourselves, which will ultimately bring change in the body of Christ?
 

1. Matthew 28:19-20 – Teach Others.  As women, we have a noble responsibility in caring for the needs of our loved one & others in the local church, as well as in the community.  What better way to show we care than the concern for a person’s soul?  When speaking with family, let us make sure our speech is saturated with holy things, “God is good,” “Thank you Lord,” “I will pray for you,” quote Scripture, & do not shy away in giving God glory for all He has done.  When communicating with brethren, let us make sure our speech is seasoned with salt, “Where is that in the Bible?” “Well, you know what the Lord says about that…,” & “Sister, do you mind if I show you something in the Bible?”  When talking to people in the community, let us make salvation a priority, “I would like to invite you to services,” “Have you ever read the Bible?  If so, what do you think?” & “Would you like to get together & study the Scriptures?”  We should never waste an opportunity to tell others about Christ & Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

 

1. Titus 2:3-5 – Mentor Younger Women.  If we are older women, we have a moral duty to teach younger women.  Reverent behavior is teachable.  Avoiding slander is teachable.  How to be a good wife & mother are teachable.  Living righteously is what reveals the credibility of the gospel.  The oppositive is also true.  Calling ourselves Christians, but not living Christ-like causes the word of God to be reviled by the world.

 
And what more shall I say?  For time would fail me to tell the work of hospitality (1 Peter 4:9), generosity to the poor (Proverbs 19:17), & doing good to orphans & widows (James 1:27).  There is no shortage of opportunities to do God’s will.  God has equipped us with His word & ability to be effective in our service to Him.  Remember, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).