All on the Field: A Good Farmer—Having a Good Work Ethic - Friday
Matthew 9:37
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (NIV)
Earlier this week, I mentioned that my first job in high school was working at the farmer’s market. During the summer months, I would set up a table there and sell everything I possibly could.
Early on Saturday mornings, around 6am, the usual early birds came rolling in. Carefully they browsed through each stand, meticulously comparing prices and getting their hands on the best produce we had. The other workers and I not only became masters at calculating change in our heads, but also at the art of presentation. We set the freshest corn, the juiciest peaches, and the biggest and reddest looking tomatoes out front. We called those the money tomatoes!
By noon, most of the crowd had dissipated. But just before we left, there was a small second-wave of people who faithfully showed up each week: the canners.
The only tomatoes we usually had left were bruised—battered and beaten from the truck ride there, beyond all hope of ever making it on display. But that’s exactly what this group was after. I often wondered why anyone would ever want a box of busted tomatoes—what were they good for?
As it turns out, a LOT of things. Tomato sauce. Tomato soup. Even toppings for different pastas and bruschetta. I had no idea something so broken could be used in so many cool ways!
Jesus tells his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” In other words, the opportunity to spread the gospel is abundant, but those willing to take part in the Lord’s work are few and far between.
Oftentimes, the reason most of us are hesitant to serve in the local church (myself included) is because we think to ourselves, “What good am I? I’m too ugly, too broken. God could never use someone like me.”
The truth is, when it comes to ministry, there’s no “money tomatoes.” Only bruised people the Lord uses in remarkably cool ways. If you’ve been thinking about serving or getting involved, I’d encourage you to take that step today. I don’t know how broken your story is, but what I do know is that Jesus has great use for someone like you. That's what the farmer’s market taught me.
The farmer’s market, and the gospel.
Friday’s Reflection
What are some special talents that you have? Have you shared them with other people? Ask God to provide an opportunity for you to serve Him with the special gifts He has given you. We always have lots of opportunities here at Southland—if you’d like to talk with someone about how you can use your gifts here, let us know!