I believe the gospel work is going well because our Zion family is well united. Father is swiftly fulfilling the gospel work around the world as we wish.
Although one may achieve high status on earth, they still grow weary; even when things are going well, they are burdened with many worries; although they live, they live in pain. In fact, it is much like living in a prison. However, even in this prison-like life, we have the promise of the eternal and glorious kingdom of heaven, where joy overflows. How blessed we are!
Let us not worry, but instead think about heaven first. To grant us the glorious kingdom of heaven, Father died in our place at His first coming, not hesitating the pain of being nailed to the cross. He also appeared a second time to bring us salvation by restoring the lost truth through the New Covenant Passover. Father said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (Jn 13:15). At His first coming and second coming, what example did He set us? It is sacrificing Himself solely for sinners—preaching the gospel, fasting and praying, and even being crucified. He was very humble and compassionate, always considering and caring for His children more than Himself, even though He was hungry and naked. Doing such things is to emulate Father’s example.
Like our God, we should be able to consider others better than ourselves, empathize with others’ pain, and serve others. Understanding the value of salvation, Apostle Paul removed himself from within to become worthy before God, living only with the heart of Christ (Gal 2:20). Embracing the heart of Christ who came to save everyone allows us to understand and forgive our heavenly family members. This is love. Love is desperately needed in the world right now. Just as God loves us, we must approach those in difficulties warmly and extend our love to them.
Father saved us through the new covenant and declared that we are not slaves but sons (Gal 4:1–9). Now, we should act as sons, not as slaves. A slave stops working as soon as he receives his wages, regardless of whether things go well or not, whether rain washes away the crops or not—he just passes the time. However, a son, as the heir, devotes all his efforts to ensuring that the farm prospers, even taking care of the extra work. The words, “If you were Abraham’s children, then you would do the things Abraham did” (Jn 8:33–40), mean that if you are God’s children, you should do the things God did. God said He came to preach and commanded us to save humanity, just as the Samaritan saved the man who was robbed and left half dead. If we are Abraham’s children, our faith should be like Abraham’s, and if we are God’s children, we should save poor souls.
Saving a soul is not easy. Those who consider others adjust themselves to others without thinking of their own inconvenience or pain. To be corrected and reborn with a beautiful heart, one’s heart is rotten, but this is the only way to save one person (Jn 12:24–25). Father commanded us to do that because it is difficult to do. Anyone can do easy things, but not everyone can do difficult things, so if you do difficult things, you will receive abundant blessings.
To become the firstborn of heaven, we need to learn the mindset of heaven’s firstborn and master the laws of the heavenly kingdom. The royal priesthood of heaven should have good character, be virtuous, and speak only words that bring grace according to the teachings of the Bible. We should practice service and love, considering others and assisting neighbors in need, while delivering the greatest gift given by Father through love—eternal life that never dies.
Let us save one more soul with the spirit of ownership and of sons, not of slaves. And let us serve our brothers and sisters as a servant does. In our gospel work, let us prioritize serving others for the sake of their souls, regardless of how they treat us. With the spirit of God’s sons and daughters, let us wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to every gospel endeavor that helps grow the church. Let us strive for unity until the end and complete the mission of world evangelism.
