Jun 22 – God’s Field!

“You are God’s field, you are God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

There are two very important kinds of knowledge every Christian must possess. First, the knowledge of who our God is. Second, the knowledge of who we are in Christ. These two understandings are greatly helpful for us to grow in the Lord, receive blessings, and live a victorious life.

Who are we in Christ, according to the Bible? We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). We are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). We are children of God (John 1:12). In today’s opening verse, the Apostle Paul says that we are both God’s field and God’s building.

The word “field” is commonly used in villages. A man who owns lands, cattle, and labourers is often called a landlord or farmer. In the same way, when we are God’s field, there is work for us to do, there is security for us, and there is also the joy of standing together with the Lord.

In the Old Testament, the Lord chose the people of Israel as His field. But when they departed from Him, the prophet Isaiah sorrowfully declared: “So the daughter of Zion is left as a booth in a vineyard, as a hut in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.” (Isaiah 1:8).

What was the reason? There was no unity or oneness in the Lord’s field. Therefore, the enemy ruined and devastated that field. Instead of being a beautiful vineyard, it became overgrown with thorns, briars, and weeds.

In Christ, we are all one family and one field. Those who labour together with the Lord in this field should not boast or quarrel saying, “I am greater” or “You are greater.” We read in the Scriptures: “For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal? … I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:4,6).

Children of God, our talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts are all gracious gifts given to us by the Lord. We are labourers in God’s field, called to use them faithfully. The Bible says that if we are faithful in little things, the Lord will exalt us to have authority over many things.

Verse for further meditation: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9).