Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

ABSTRACT

This article explores the necessity of unwavering commitment and promptness in fulfilling God’s mission, emphasizing that personal concerns and hesitations must not hinder divine service. Drawing from Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White, it highlights the importance of prioritizing God’s work above earthly ties, overcoming self-imposed barriers, and valuing time as a sacred resource in advancing His kingdom.

COMMITMENT TO GOD’S MISSION

Our commitment to God’s mission demands unwavering dedication, unhindered by earthly ties or personal concerns. Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of punctuality and decisiveness in God’s service, stating that delays in executing His work are tantamount to defeats, often stemming from prioritizing personal comfort or avoiding unpleasant tasks (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, pp. 499-500, 1875). This teaching underscores that earthly concerns, even familial duties, must remain secondary to the divine mission. Scripture supports this priority with Jesus’ words: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37, KJV). Similarly, we are called to diligent service: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, KJV). Sr. White further clarifies this duty: “The work of God requires all the energies of the soul, and nothing should be allowed to interfere with it” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 456, 1889). She also warns, “Let nothing, however dear, however much loved, absorb your time and talents, and hinder you from giving yourself wholly to the service of God” (Messages to Young People, p. 315, 1930). These teachings affirm that God’s mission requires promptness and full dedication, even at the cost of personal comfort. How can we emulate Christ’s example of complete consecration in our service to God?

CHRIST’S EXAMPLE OF SACRIFICE

Jesus Christ’s life exemplifies the complete consecration required in God’s service, severing all earthly connections to fulfill the mission of salvation. Sr. White writes that Jesus demands from us a similar level of full commitment, where personal and emotional sacrifices are integral to advancing God’s work (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 500, 1875). This sacrifice is reflected in Scripture: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25, KJV). Additionally, Christ’s dedication is evident in His words: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day” (John 9:4, KJV). Sr. White reinforces this principle: “Christ surrendered all, even His life, that man might be redeemed” (The Desire of Ages, p. 417, 1898). She further states, “Those who would follow Christ must be willing to give up all for His sake” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 116, 1900). These teachings highlight that personal discomfort is a small price to pay for the privilege of serving God’s cause. What barriers prevent us from fully aligning our priorities with God’s will?

OVERCOMING SELF-IMPOSED HINDRANCES

Self-imposed hindrances, such as prioritizing personal comfort, often slow down God’s work. Sr. White explains that many view their cautious, hesitant approach to difficult tasks as commendable, when in reality, it greatly impedes the divine mission (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 500, 1875). Scripture warns against such hesitancy: “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4, KJV). Likewise, we are urged to act promptly: “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city… Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow” (James 4:13-14, KJV). Sr. White further cautions, “Many are unwilling to put forth unselfish effort, and thus they hinder the advancement of God’s cause” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 424, 1901). She also notes, “Procrastination is the thief of time in the work of God” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 117, 1958). These teachings reveal that by avoiding challenging tasks, we inadvertently delay God’s mission. How can we identify and eliminate these self-imposed barriers to serve God effectively?

VALUING TIME IN GOD’S SERVICE

Every moment lost due to hesitation in carrying out God’s commands diminishes opportunities to advance His kingdom. Sr. White warns that delays, often rooted in reluctance to tackle difficult tasks, result in missed opportunities for spiritual growth and evangelism (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 500, 1875). Scripture emphasizes the value of time: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV). We are also reminded to act with urgency: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, KJV). Sr. White underscores this urgency: “Time is short, and what is done must be done quickly” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 154, 1909). She further states, “Every moment is of infinite value in the work of God” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 509, 1905). Prioritizing essential tasks over trivial ones ensures that God’s work progresses without setback. How can we better steward our time to maximize the impact of God’s mission?

ADVANCING GOD’S KINGDOM

Promptness and sacrifice in God’s service enable us to advance His kingdom effectively, free from self-imposed delays. Sr. White’s writings in Testimonies for the Church provide clear guidance that nothing, especially personal or familial concerns, should hinder this work (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, pp. 499-500, 1875). Scripture reinforces this call to action: “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9, KJV). We are also encouraged to remain steadfast: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The work of God must be carried forward with intensity and zeal” (Gospel Workers, p. 93, 1915). She also declares, “Those who are engaged in the Lord’s work must not delay, but press forward with faith and courage” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 19, 1902). These teachings emphasize that eliminating hindrances ensures our efforts align with divine timing and purpose. How can we cultivate a heart fully dedicated to God’s mission?

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can we, in our personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of stewardship and promptness, allowing them to shape our character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of commitment and sacrifice to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about prioritizing God’s work in our community, and how can we gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become vibrant beacons of God’s mission, living out the reality of swift and sacrificial service to advance His kingdom?