Work, Words, and People

“‘I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. … I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. … For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.’” –John 17:4, 6, 8

Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted about three years. From what He shared in this brief time, His activity included:

• work to do,
• people to reach, and
• words to speak.

I think these points are reflected in our responsibility as those who’ve been captured by Christ. We have a mission to bear fruit, and that involves work to do, people to reach, and words to speak.

Jesus told us that we are His witnesses and that we’re supposed to go and make disciples. To that end, work, words, and people should be the focus of our daily activities.

I personally think the first 1,000 years of eternity will involve our Lord and Savior showing us the ripple effect of our works and words and how He used them in the lives of other people.

Everything we do—every word, every action, and every attitude—plays forward.

The works we do, the words we speak, and the people we engage daily have huge implications.

Could this be why the Apostle Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. … Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters ... (Colossians 3:17, 23)” ?

So, my brothers and sisters, may we live today for the day we see Jesus. May we work and speak the message of His great love to those God places in our lives today.

Remember, lasting achievement always involves people. People are all that will last for eternity. In word and deed, point people to Jesus.

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