The Character of God's Workman
Watchman Nee emphasizes the critical importance of character development in those who serve God, prioritizing it over mere skills or abilities.
Watchman Nee emphasizes that in God's work, the character of the worker is paramount, even more so than the work itself. He explains that God prioritizes finding the right person over immediate results, investing time in shaping a workman whose character reflects Christ. This transformation involves shedding old habits and forming new ones through the cross, ensuring that the worker embodies key characteristics such as love, diligence, and self-control. Nee's teachings highlight that without the right character, God's work may suffer, making it crucial for workers to be spiritually prepared before engaging in sacred tasks.
Text
In the word of God, the worker is more important than the work. If God cannot find the right person, He would rather delay His work. Much time and effort will He spend in the training of a workman fit for the Master's use. Basically, the training is more in the area of character than of skill. Only a new creation can serve God. Positionally, "'If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17mg); experientially, old habits will have to be shed and new habits formed through the working of the cross in his life. A few principal characteristics of the life of Christ need to be incorporated in the worker before he is qualified to be a servant of God. Otherwise, God's work will suffer in his hands. It is far better for him not to plunge himself at all into the most sacred work of God.
Seeing the importance of the workman's character in the service of God, Watchman Nee gave a series of messages on this subject to a group of fellow-workers in Kuling in 1948, which was subsequently published in Chinese. A condensed version, in English translation, was published by the Church Book Room, Hong Kong, in 1965, it being the work of the late Miss Elizabeth Fischbacher. It was a work beautifully done and of the highest quality. Sensing, however, the tremendous significance of these messages in relation to God's work and His workmen, a new English translation of the full test seems now to be in order. While so doing, the spoken form of these messages has been preserved and only necessary editing done for clarity.
The fundamental features of the character of God's workman given by Watchman Nee are that he: (1) is able to listen, (2) loves all mankind, (3) has a mind to suffer, (4) buffets his body and brings it into subjection, (5) is diligent and not slothful, (6) is restrained in speech, (7) is stable, (8) is not subjective, (9) has a right attitude towards money, and (10) is dealt with on some other important matters.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Importance of the worker over the work
- God's preference for training the right person
- Character development over skill acquisition
-
II
- New creation as a prerequisite for service
- Scriptural basis for new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)
- Transformation through the cross
-
III
- Characteristics of Christ's life in the worker
- Consequences of unqualified service
- Value of preparation before service
-
IV
- Listening as a key trait
- Love for all mankind
- Willingness to suffer
-
V
- Self-discipline and diligence
- Restraint in speech
- Stability and objectivity
-
VI
- Proper attitude towards money
- Dealing with personal matters
- Overall character assessment
Key Quotes
“In the word of God, the worker is more important than the work.” — Watchman Nee
“Only a new creation can serve God.” — Watchman Nee
“It is far better for him not to plunge himself at all into the most sacred work of God.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- Reflect on your character and identify areas for growth before engaging in service.
- Commit to developing self-discipline and a loving attitude towards others.
- Seek transformation through Christ to become a more effective workman for God.