I have thought about life as a pastor and my role as a co-laborer with Christ in building the kingdom of God. His kingdom in invisible, though it has representations that you can see and touch. When I talk with younger pastors, I tell them- if you want to build for the short term- develop programs, if you want to build for the medium term- build buildings. If you want to build for the long term- build people! What really transfers into the next life? That which is done for Christ. Relationships. Spiritual victories. Christlike character developed in us. Our soul to be found in a new body. Love. To the man ‘under the sun’, he misses it all. He knows God is ‘out there’, but he doesn’t orient his own life to God and give consideration to the unseen kingdom of God being built all around him. I can see why Solomon says- for that person it would be better to have not been born.
There is a song my wife sings… that is so good. I wish I had a video of her singing it to share! But, here is Nichole Nordeman- enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah1COE39ARs
If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, however many they be, but his soul is not satisfied with good things and he does not even have a proper burial, then I say, “Better the miscarriage than he, for it comes in futility and goes into obscurity; and its name is covered in obscurity. Ecclesiastes 6:3-4 NASB
How am I building the kingdom of God? Who has God appointed for me as co-laborers?
God, as this day begins- I pause to thank you for so many wonderful people in my life that are building Your kingdom. Bless them, wherever they are today. For me, half the fun of fishing is who I am fishing with. I think, as Solomon did, about my legacy. Its contained in my children and their children and the disciples of Christ that I have built up in the holy faith. Its in those who once were far from You, God, but now are close. Oh, that’s what makes me anticipate eternity and the next life. But, today- we have business to attend. Work in me, around me, and through me to love others in Your name.
