Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the Living God long before the sun came up and I waited patiently to see what He has in store for this new day. Believe it or not, Fall is just around the corner and you can see the signs of nature preparing for what’s ahead. When I looked up at this black walnut tree I saw squirrels swinging from limb to limb at the highest points with no real purpose at all, while there were other squirrels on the ground gathering up food – some to eat now and some to bury for a future feast. Watching these squirrels reminded me of what Kingdom work looks like. Some are high up on branches swinging fast and hard with no real purpose at all, while lots of others are closer to the ground preparing for what’s to come. Isn’t it just like God to use a simple squirrel to inspire a Message this morning?

Kingdom Work can get pretty complicated (and competitive) sometimes when we lose our Focus, but it doesn’t have to be that way when the Intentions are clear and pleasing God is the ONLY thing on the Agenda. It’s sad to see some Kingdom workers intent on flying as high as they possibly can just to be sure that the world sees what they’re capable of. Unfortunately, many of them are more intent on being seen and heard than they are on pleasing God. But Kingdom Work isn’t a popularity contest and the Truth isn’t always easy to bear. So, some have learned to dilute the Message to appeal to the masses so that more and more people watch them jump on the high limbs. Although they haven’t fallen from the high branches (yet), they’ve fallen away from Truth. The Bible says “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” Sound doctrine isn’t popular these days BUT Truth is what the lost world needs. I’m no “expert” but I’m confident that God doesn’t understand softening the blow to gain popularity regardless of what the Deceiver has to say.

Other Kingdom Workers are on the ground without a care in the world about being seen from the high branches. Many of them tirelessly serve the church and they stay busy preparing for what’s to come. They are the backbone of Kingdom Work! But mixed in with all those busy squirrels, working without the need to be seen, there are others who have convinced themselves that the harder they work, the more likely they are to make their way to Heaven. The Truth slipped by them somehow or their tickling ears prevented them from hearing it so they’re squirrels working like beavers and they may be unpleasantly surprised One Day when they hear “I never knew you”. Although there are LOTS of things behind the scenes that need to be done for Kingdon Work to succeed, there is NO GREATER “job” for anyone professing to be a follower of Jesus Christ than to share the Good News, and there is no escaping our God-given Commission no matter how hard we work.

Kingdom Workers are needed in all areas of Service and each one of us has a Purpose far greater than ourselves. Some stay high up on the branches as they work tirelessly to share the Good News with as many people as they possibly can, while others take on the harder tasks on the ground. No matter where God Calls us to Serve we’re all on Equal Ground and there is no gift more important than the other! No matter how hard we work behind the scenes none of us are off the hook because the Goal is One size fits all – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

No matter where God sends me or what He Calls for me to do, I’ll be working hard to gather up as many as I can to do my part to fill the Banquet Table before it’s too late. I’ll speak Truth into their Soul. I’ll Disciple them into Maturity. I’ll roll up my sleeves and I’ll be willing to do whatever He has in mind for me – whether it’s swinging on the high branches or gathering on the ground – either way, I won’t overlook the Agenda and I’ll never overlook my Purpose.

How about you?