“Be strong and courageous, and do the work”

“People who don’t really know who they are and what their purpose in life is often have problems,” the Chief Apostle said on 12 May 2024 during a divine service on the island of Borkum in northern Germany. “They will practically go anywhere to get answers.”

Many go to their family or friends for help, or social media. “When knowing who you really are depends on other people, things become complicated.” Especially because sometimes the advice does not necessarily come from people who mean well, who are honest, and serious. In the end, the desire to please others can result in denying oneself.

God’s answer

The alternative is to ask God. After all, “God is honest. God means well. God is truth and love,” the Chief Apostle said. And God tells us, “You are My beloved child. I have chosen you for your own salvation and for the salvation of others,” the Chief Apostle explained with a view to the Bible text from 1 Chronicles 28: 20 (NIV) which he had picked for this service. “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.”

The Chief Apostle listed four tasks that need to be tackled.

Fit for work

“First of all, to be able to serve we must be fit for work. It is up to us to look after our physical and mental health.” Some people may think that they lack the prerequisites and skills. But God’s answer to this is, “I have chosen you as you are now. You can serve Me just as you are. Don’t worry about it. I know everything.”

‌Treating the creation with respect

The very first task is one that God has entrusted to all human beings, namely to preserve the creation. “The environment is suffering because of the human impact and because of bad decisions. So let us do our part, each in his or her place,” the Chief Apostle added. “Let us be sensible and treat the creation with the fear of God.” We do not need to be afraid of the future, the Chief Apostle said. ‌We are not waiting for the end of the creation, but are waiting for it to be delivered.

Working on our own salvation

God has chosen us for our own salvation. And He expects us to contribute to it. We are to grow into the image of Jesus Christ. Many think, “I’ll never make it!” Here too God’s answer is, “Stop! Don’t worry. Do the work! I am with you. I don’t measure success. I measure the effort, your longing, your desire. So don’t give up! Be strong and of good courage and keep working.”

Contributing to the salvation of others

We are also to serve our neighbour and contribute to his or her salvation. That is the next point. “How can we do this? We cannot convert the world,” the Chief Apostle said. “But God doesn’t even ask us to do that. He simply asks us to help make sure that the gospel continues to be proclaimed. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be afraid! Do the work where you are. Behave as a true Christian so that your fellow human beings can experience Christ in some or other way.”

Serving in the church of Christ

Some have been called to exercise a ministry or fulfil a special task in the Church. But there is at least one task that falls to all of us, the Chief Apostle said. We have all been called to serve, without exception, and to contribute to the unity of the Church. That means: “We must help to overcome the differences and make sure that nobody is excluded. Make sure that the oneness in the Church becomes even stronger, even more beautiful.” And anyone who encounters obstacles should remember God’s promise: “Don’t give up, be of good courage, do the work, and don’t worry. I am with you.”