Working with God
This lecture by Pope Shenouda III speaks about the true mission of الإنسان in life, which is to work with God and participate with Him in the work of goodness and salvation. He explains that God created الإنسان for work, and that the greatest work a person can do is spiritual work that glorifies God and serves souls.
His Holiness explains that God works in an invisible way, but He shows His work through people. Therefore, the believing person becomes a visible instrument for God’s work in the world. The Holy Spirit works in the person and through him in order to carry God’s love and goodness to people.
The teaching focuses on the fact that spiritual work is more important than administrative, social, or material work, even inside the Church, because the main goal is the salvation of the soul and winning الإنسان for God. He also confirms that every servant should have a living spiritual role, not merely an organizational or formal role.
He also warns against the spirit of criticism and leaving service to others, and he encourages every person to carry responsibility and work seriously and lovingly, like Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross with the Lord Christ. True service is not only by words or suggestions, but by labor, work, and practical participation.
He also speaks about the importance of working with strength and faith, not laziness or negligence, because God wants servants who work with all the heart, soul, and strength. The true servant gives the best of his time and effort to God and believes that God works with him, guides the service, and grants it success.
He presents examples from the lives of the apostles and saints such as Saint Stephen, Nehemiah, and Saint John the Beloved, to confirm that spiritual work needs zeal of heart, faith, love, and endurance, and that the believing person does not retreat because of fatigue or problems, but continues confidently knowing that God is present and working with him.
Pope Shenouda also confirms that the foundation of every service is love, because the love of God and the love of people are the spirit of true ministry. Spiritual service is not merely an activity, but a life filled with love, faith, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
In the end, the lecture calls every person to ask himself: What spiritual work do I offer to God? And do I work with God with all my heart? Because the true mission of الإنسان is to become a partner with God in spreading goodness, salvation, and love in the world.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
