The faithful worker - Jeremiah 48:10

Jeremiah 48:10a
"Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully,..."

The simplicity of this statement is striking.  However, if we take a look around at the false church of our day we see that this verse has been skipped altogether.  Or worse, the person who having examined the Bible, brushes this verse aside because they do not have an authentic belief in an almighty God who inspired scripture and stands prepared to execute judgment on those who exploit the cross of Christ for gain. 

Our calling is not a profession, a job, or a hobby.  We are compelled by the Spirit of Christ to preach the message of salvation - regardless of its reception.  In a recent sermon Pastor Alistair Begg said, "I am not a salesman.  I am a herald.  I have a responsibility to say to you, 'I implore you, through Christ, be reconciled to God.'"  Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians, "For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ." (2 Cor 2:17) and in his earlier letter to the Corinthians, "For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Cor 9:16)

Lord, I can't not preach the gospel.  Equip me to do your work in faithfulness and not for gain.  Encourage our hearts as we labor in Jesus' name, imploring all people to be reconciled to you.