"I used to serve in a church, while also running a business in another place for various reasons. But I met difficulties, was that because I left church work? Did my choice displease God so that He didn't hear my prayer?" A former Sunday school staff asks.
God is not narrow-minded, answers Rev. Liang Zhiyong from a house church of Henan on his WeChat account "Reformed_Evangelical". He reminds the believer to be aware of the following four points:
1. Have a correct understanding of God's power and will
Rev. Liang claims that working in a Sunday school and doing business are two entirely different things. The confusion of the two things stems from the believer's wrong knowledge of God.
God is merciful, not narrow-minded. He is also the Lord whose hand is in everything. The Lord is able to rise up other people to replace her position in the Sunday school for whatever reason she left the church for business. Her leaving will, by no means, corner God and even make Him feel resentful of her.
The pastor mentions that church workers may have different kinds of negative emotions, but their emotions don't represent the will of God. Besides, he suggests the church and staff to respect their choice out of freedom of conscience in the face of such workers and to help them, in a proper way, until they are willing to serve in the church.
2. God's love is unconditional, not utilitarian
Rev. Liang explains that God's love toward us is unconditional and unfailing. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:10) God saved us because of His love and mercy for us, rather than to use us as employees for the church. Otherwise, that kind of love will be utilitarian and conditional. Moreover, utilitarian love is not love at all, because love is not self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13:5).
God has a good purpose and plan for those who are saved, but He doesn't intend to exploit them. The by-product of His plan of salvation is that the saved ones love and serve others. He also lists a reason why God asks us to participate in the ministry: to build us up and benefit us through our ministry.
3. God is good, who does no evil
"The dishonest behavior of the supplier you met in the business came from the evil one and from people's sinful nature, which is not indicated or used by God to deal with you. "
Rev. Liang tells that God, who does no evil and hates evil, turns the evil into good and use sufferings to bless the saints. He cares about His children and shows solitude for all the difficulties in our work and families. Therefore, cry to the Lord for His help when you encounter hardship and challenges. Remember the Lord's promise: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. " (Matthew 7:7) "... for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8)
4. Fix your eyes on Jesus with faith
The pastor adds that you will see the source of blessings when you look at Christ, who died for us. As a result, the Lord will remember you if your business run into a problem. He will direct you to the right path when you call Him.
On the contrary, you will be filled with confusion and anxiety when you lose faith and surmise by reason. Faith is extremely vital for an misunderstanding of God stems from people's weak notions.
In the end, Rev. Liang exhorts the believer to seek the Lord's guidance on what she should do about her own business or doing Sunday school ministry.
Translated by Karen Luo
