The Great Snare

Working for Jesus

There is a common desire in the hearts of men, to be useful. Each of us is born wanting to "be somebody," do something noteworthy, and be noticed for our accomplishments. Unfortunately we often bring this desire into the working of God. It seems so natural. In many ways and forms, we are challenged to find out what our gift is and use it for the Lord. We are challenged to give of our best to the Master. We are encouraged to go to the ends of the earth to work for the Lord. New Christians are often encouraged to get involved immediately in Christian work of some kind, such as teaching, a witnessing program, or serving in some kind of organized work. On the surface it seems good. It gets people involved and busy in the work of God. After all, is that not what we are left here on earth for? What could possibly be wrong with that?

Others press on quickly to other work that is seemingly even more spiritual. We just read of men who cast out demons and did great miracles in the name of Jesus. No simple natural Christian program for them! They are out to do battle for Jesus and cast out the demons, taking the territory for Him. They seem to be experiencing great spiritual power and God's blessing. They are confident of their reward when they stand before Christ on the final day. After all, they have done great exploits for Jesus.

Here then, is the searching question. Can we work for Jesus? What do we do with this statement from our Lord: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Is this "working for Jesus"? Or what about the words of Paul? "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:12,13)

Strictly speaking, brethren, we do not work "for Jesus." If we do, it is self-effort which is "wood, hay, and stubble," and will be burned up in the final day of judgment. Nothing we can do has any value to God. Apart from Jesus, we can do absolutely nothing. We might argue that we are not separate from Jesus, and that should be true. But if we are moving on our own initiative, with our own ideas, our own ability, and on our own time, trying to do the work of God, we are moving separate from Jesus and it is "nothing" in God's eyes. It is only as God works in us and we move in union with God that our lives have any value in God's economy. This is not our work for Jesus, but God working in and through us. It is the work of God, not our works. Some may argue that we are splitting hairs, but may I plead to my readers to seriously consider what is being said? This is not splitting hairs, but the very heart of the great divide. It is the difference between Isaac and Ishmael. It is the difference between rest and struggle. It is the difference between life and death.

If we consider the entire history of God's working with men, from Adam until today, we can see one theme. Will we allow God to initiate all things and obey His leading, or will we come up with our own solutions to life's problems and challenges and work them out in our own strength? Trace this theme through the lives of Abraham, Moses, Israel, the prophets, the disciples, and the book of Acts, and we find it is all the same. In other words, will we let God be God in our lives? God does not accept our works. We may have heard that all of our lives, but so often we turn right around and begin to plan the work that we are going to do for God. It is so appealing to our minds to try to do some great work for God, but that is absolute death to the spiritual life with God.

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