Forget the farm work! I have dreams to fulfill and goals to achieve. I don’t have time for pulling weeds!
But what are your hopes and dreams compared to the high calling of being a son of God?
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name,” John 1:12
Everyone who receives Jesus becomes a son or daughter of God. What a privilege!
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God,” 1 John 3:1
But does this line up with experience? Does a crown of light suddenly appear on your head when you pray the sinner’s prayer? Does anything change? Why should you have to work like everyone else when your Heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)?
After the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians that everyone who gets baptized into Christ becomes an heir, he stated:
“Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all, but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.” Galatians 4:1,2
An heir, just like a hired worker, needs to learn how to perform basic tasks. In fact, in order to become a good leader, he needs to learn the basics even more thoroughly.
God includes menial work in His curriculum for training leaders. Often He assigns a lot of menial work. God taught Moses how to be a truly great leader by having him lead sheep through the wilderness for forty years. King David also received training as a shepherd. Joseph was a slave – then a prisoner. Elisha worked along side his father’s servants in the field, then became Elijah’s servant. Paul earned his living as a tent maker, even though he could have lived luxuriously by wringing money out of the churches he ministered to.
“Before honour is humility,” Proverbs 15:33
Jesus Himself, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered,” Hebrews 5:8. The major part of Jesus’ life was spent in the humble trade of carpentry.
Humble duties are usually much more beneficial than they first appear. These duties often give the exercise that’s required for both healthy brains and bodies. These duties develop discipline and strength of character. More importantly, these humble duties often teach important lessons about God’s character and the ways He works. So whenever you face humble duties, remember that these are part of God’s curriculum for you. Remember that your Heavenly Father is there to give you the help, and the challenges, that you need. He will make your work a blessing to both yourself and others. Remember that He’ll pick you up and help you when you fall. Remember that you’re a prince (or princess) in training.