This morning, I want to speak to your heart about the attitudes that are absolutely essential for doing the work of the Lord. You see, far too often, the work of God isn’t accomplished because those who call themselves Christians simply lack the proper attitudes. It’s not just about knowing what to do—it’s about possessing the mindset and the spirit that drives us to live it out. So today, let me share with you the attitudes you need if you’re going to truly work for the Lord.
The first essential attitude is powerful faith. Without faith, you’ll never step forward, and without stepping forward, nothing gets done. Think about this: if you believe in nothing, you will do nothing. Consider the example of the spies Joshua sent into Canaan. Most of them were paralyzed by fear—they didn’t believe they could take the land. But two spies, Joshua and Caleb, had faith in God’s promise, and they said, “We’ve got this.” That’s the kind of faith you need—faith that trusts God to move mountains, faith that believes all things are possible with Him. Remember what Jesus said: if you have faith and do not doubt, even mountains can be moved. And as James reminds us, faith without works is dead. No faith means no works—and no works reveal a lack of faith.
Second, you need a joyful heart. Too many Christians walk through life defeated, discouraged, and joyless. But as Paul tells the church in Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Why? Because no matter what hardships you face, there are countless reasons to be thankful—chief among them is Jesus Christ, who gave His life for you. Your joy isn’t based on your circumstances; it’s based on the unchanging love and promises of God. A joyful Christian is a powerful witness to the world.
Next, you need a continual reliance on prayer. Prayer isn’t just a duty—it’s your lifeline. Jesus Himself showed us this through His teaching and His example. In Matthew 21, He said, “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” And James reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Prayer changes things—but it also changes you. Even when God doesn’t answer your prayers in the way you expect, He works to align your heart with His will. As Christians, we need to pray persistently for the world, for the lost, for the church, and for strength to keep pressing on.
Another essential attitude is personal love—a deep, genuine love for God, for your brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the lost. Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” Love is the foundation of obedience, the glue that binds the church together, and the motivation to reach the lost. Without love, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians, you can do all the right things and still be nothing. Love is patient, kind, and enduring. Love never fails. If you truly love God, you’ll love others—and that love will move you to action.
Finally, you need persistent effort. The work of the Lord requires endurance, because the results aren’t always immediate. Think about Noah—he worked for 120 years building the ark while people mocked him. But he persisted because he trusted God’s word. Persistence is the secret to success in the Lord’s work. Yes, you’ll face rejection. Yes, you’ll grow weary. But you never know what God can do through one act of faithfulness. I think about my own mother, who converted a neighbor to Christ—and out of that one conversion, generations of preachers were raised up. You may not see the fruit immediately, but God honors those who remain faithful in their efforts.
Now, let me ask you: do you have these attitudes? Are you full of faith, joy, prayer, love, and persistence? If not, what’s holding you back? The work of the Lord will be accomplished through those who possess these qualities. But if you’re lacking, now is the time to change. And if you’ve never obeyed the gospel, let me remind you of what Scripture teaches: you must hear the word, believe it, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as the Son of God, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins. Then, live faithfully, even when it’s hard.
So, this morning, ask yourself: are you ready to work for the Lord? Are you ready to step out in faith, to embrace joy, to commit to prayer, to love deeply, and to persist through every challenge? If you have any needs—whether it’s prayers, encouragement, or the decision to obey the gospel—don’t wait.
