A sad reality is going on in this present generation that is causing God’s people not to pursue the work of the Lord. Many express desire but not pursuing the work; several get involve but not because of their love for God and burden for the lost. They do it because of a necessity and for personal and selfish gain. Their desire is to enjoy the benefits of the ministry; the respect from the crowd and to feel proud of being called a man of God; that they think they deserve. The ministry is not anymore seen as an opportunity to give but to receive.

I personally have observed this sad reality when I was appointed to be in charge of screening some candidates for Pastorate in one local Church. Some were honest enough to demand a particular salary and benefits as if they were applying for a job. Fresh Bible College graduates also applied to get an experience, instead of pioneering a work for the Lord. Perhaps, they thought that going that route would be easier and it would be a lot more convenient to build upon another man’s foundation and enjoy a ministry that was already established. We have more hirelings today than servants, willing to sacrifice their life for the sake of the ministry.

God does not stop searching for people willing to serve. He calls for someone to make up the hedge and fill the gap to warn people that it is time to seek the Lord and be spared from divine retribution. But, He found none!

Don’t we care anymore? Maybe we choose to get busy doing other things, instead of sharing the Word. Most are simply distracted. There are many things that can distract us from doing the works of God. There are people who would rather engage in doctrinal debates to prove orthodoxy. Some are busy building their personal kingdom, instead of expanding the Lord’s Kingdom. The rest are more occupied criticizing the works of others. Only a few go and answer God’s call with a pure heart.

God calls not because the salvation of the lost rests and depends on our obedience and our labor. Our unwillingness to obey is not God’s failure for He is always victorious and His plan and desire will always pan out.

He calls to teach us to be aware and be sensitive to the needs of the lost. He wants us to show compassion and to prove the sincerity of our love. It is God’s way of reminding us our purpose in this life. We are supposed to be witnesses, light, salt, and bearing the testimony that we are Christ-like.

It reminds me of the song “Does Thou not Care,” that I sang many times as a young man that God has used to make me realize my purpose in life.