THE COAL MINER'S MENTALITY

 "In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary" - 1 Corinthians. 12:22 (NLT)

During the second world war, Britain had a difficult time keeping men working in the coal mines. Many wanted to give up their dirty, thankless jobs in dangerous mines to join the military service, which got much public praise and support. Yet without coal, the military and the people at home would be in trouble. So, Churchill faced thousands of coal miners one day and passionately told them of their importance to the war effort, and how their role could make or break the goal of maintaining England's freedom. It was said that tears appeared in the eyes of those hardened men. And they returned to their inglorious work with steely resolve (The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork,  John C, Maxwell).

According to 1 Corinthians 12:22, there is a tendency to assume that some kingdom roles are more important than others. For instance, some people believe it is better to be a stage actor in church than a secret labourer. However, there are some unseen secret labourers behind every major move of God on the stage of life. Those secret labourers are the coal miners behind the scene in the kingdom. They are the special engines that God is using to power the wheels of His kingdom on earth. The coal miners are usually not visible in church but without their secret labour, all kingdom activities will be mere jamboree. The duty posts of the coal miners are on their knees and on the streets. They are those devoted intercessors, passionate Evangelists and committed follow-up teams in His vineyard. These people may not be recognized and appreciated by men, but they are extremely important in the kingdom expansion plan of God on earth. What a sacred responsibility!

Unfortunately, the number of secret labourers is depleting every passing day while that of stage actors is growing. This may be an indication that some secret labourers have developed the coal miner's mentality. Many now prefer to be seen and celebrated by men than serve God faithfully behind the scenes. They want to wear uniforms and stand in a conspicuous position in church like the stage actors. They seem to have forgotten that without their secret labour, all the stage actors cannot perform at optimal level.

Beloved, are you one of the secret labourers in the kingdom today? Please note that you are extremely important in the agenda of God. In fact, Heaven values your service much more than you can ever imagine. You are the Aaron and Hur of God in your Church and wherever you find yourself. The hands of your Moses may grow weary on the stage if you refuse to sustain him with your secret coal mining activities (Exodus 17:12). Please go back to your secret duty post today and continue to do what God has called you to do for Him vigorously with meekness, joy and gladness.  

One hymn that re-echoes the need for every secret labourer to remain steadfast at their appointed duty posts is titled "Toiling For Jesus''.

TOILING FOR JESUS By William A. Ogden,1890

Gladly, gladly toiling for the Master,

Go we forth with willing hands to do

Whatsoe’er to us He hath appointed,

Faithfully our mission we’ll pursue.

Refrain:

Toiling for Jesus,

Joyfully we go, joyfully we go,

Toiling for Jesus,

In His vineyard here below.

Joyful, joyful, we will tell the story

Of His love to mortals here below;

Christ, the brightness of the Father’s glory,

Freely here His blessing will bestow.

Meekly, meekly following the Master,

Walking faithfully the path He trod;

Leading wand’rers to the dear Redeemer,

Pointing sinners to the Lamb of God.

May God restore all the coal miners who have absconded from their duty post before their appointed season of labour on earth is over in Jesus name,  Amen. 

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, I want to invite you to the May 2023 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday - May 5, 2023. Theme: THE EVERLASTING ARM OF GOD. Time: 7pm. Venue: Redemption Camp, Ogun State, Nigeria. 

Happy new month. Good day and God bless you. 

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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