Are You A Laborer For Christ?

One of Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Sunday Homilies really sparked my interest on this topic of being a laborer for Christ. In today’s world, religion is being criticized and even ostracized from mainstream everything. I began thinking and praying how I can do better. I know I need to be Christ-like as well as live as a disciple as called in the Bible in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age,”

We are all anointed disciples by our Baptism. How can you shine as a disciple in today’s world? Simply by being a laborer for Christ. Do remember that there are many challenges that will be faced. Living as a disciple is never easy. Jesus never promised that.

Reflect

Are you a laborer of Christ?

Matthew 9:37-38, “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (usccb.org)

What Does It Mean to Be a Laborer for Christ?

To be a laborer for Christ, you must be a Disciple. The C,S. Lewis Institute defines Discipleship as follows, “A disciple is someone who has believed the message of the gospel, responded to the call of God in repentant faith, been baptized and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is seeking to understand and obey all that Jesus taught his first disciples. (Matt 28:19)”

Discipleship requires personal commitment and sacrifice. Luke 9:23 demonstrates this, “Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (usccb.org)

Being a laborer for Christ, a Disciple, is clearly a lifestyle and not just an idea to implement. It is the way you live your life, personally and professionally. It is the way you treat other people. It is the way you value people as demonstrated by your words and your actions. It is how you serve.

Reflect

Be a servant leader, as Jesus was.

Mark 10:45, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(usccb.org)

The Personal Impact of Being a Laborer for Christ

In the article, “Don’t Gain the Whole World just to Lose Your Soul,” it states, “In life, there are so many distractions to pull us away from what is truly important.” This can have a negative impact on you personally, but can also open your eyes to the needs around you. You must truly know your identity, priorities, and your spirituality. The article, “Who did God Create You to be?” introduces the idea of Avodah, “Finding Seamless Joy in Work, Worship, and Service”. (Vic Clesceri, the Management Sherpa)

With Avodah, you will have a greater understanding of the purpose you were created for. You can then direct your actions as a laborer of Christ using your talents and strengths for the greatest impact. With this alignment of self to purpose, you will also create a positive impact for self.

Reflect

Does Christ live in you?

Galatians 2:20, “ yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.” (usccb,org)

Laborers for Christ in Professional and Personal Life

In a previous article entitled, “Faith, Family, and Work: A Christian’s Guide to Harmony,” you can read about “practical and faith-based guidance on maintaining balance and integrity in faith, family and work.” There are some great tips on living a Christian life both personally and professionally. In the workplace you can live out your faith through integrity, kindness, and being a light for others.Personally, be an encourager, share the Gospel, and demonstrate Christ-like love through service and kindness. Do ensure you balance being outspoken about faith with respecting diverse beliefs and other people’s boundaries. Always lead with love.

Reflect

Do you labor with light and love?

Matthew 5:16, “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (usccb.org)

John 13:34-35, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (usccb.org)

Tips for Spiritual Growth as a Laborer for Christ

Following are some tips to help you grow as a laborer for Christ. Choose where you want to grow and celebrate your successes along the way!

Daily Practices:

Prioritize prayer and Bible study so that you follow Joshua 1:8, “Do not let this book of the law depart from your lips. Recite it by day and by night,e that you may carefully observe all that is written in it; then you will attain your goal; then you will succeed.” (usccb.org)

Stay connected to a faith-based community for accountability as Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.

We should not stay away from our assembly,* as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (usccb.org)

Seeking Guidance:

Develop a habit of listening to the Holy Spirit. When you pray or meditate, be sure to listen.

Practice journaling or reflecting on your spiritual journey. This will help you see and hear things you may have missed.

Serve Regularly:

Volunteer within your church or community, using your gifts to glorify God. remember that you can serve every day using your words and your actions. Be kind. Extend graciousness and give generously of your tie, talent and treasure as appropriate

Reflect

Here is a prayer from Crosswalk.com to call upon the Holy Spirit to lead you:

“Dear Lord,

Teach me to do your will. I know you’ve called me to serve you, but I don’t know what to do next. I want to be led by the Holy Spirit, so I can live out the special purpose you have for me. I seek you today, Father. Let your good Spirit guide me.”

Practical Ways to Be a Laborer in Today’s Society

You don’t have to go to extremes to be a laborer of Christ. Review some of these practical ways to implement.

Social Media Evangelization: Share uplifting, faith-based messages and interact authentically and gracefully.
Community Involvement: Advocate for social justice causes or support local outreach programs.
Mentorship: Guide younger people in faith through small groups or one-on-one discipleship.
Workplace Faith: Live out the Gospel through your actions, creating an environment of kindness and grace.

Reflect

Titus 2:3-5, “Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good,so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.” (usccb.org)

Encouragement to Be a Laborer for Christ

Remember that being a laborer for Christ is not about perfection but faithfulness. As a human, none of us are “perfect”, but we are created with unique gifts and talents to enrich humanity and bring us closer to God. Be confident in your strength because it is written in the Bible, Philippians 4:13: “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” (usccb.org)

You are Called to Be a Laborer for Christ

God created you to be you so step into the harvest with confidence, knowing God equips those He calls. 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (usccb.org)