The Time is Now: Where Are the Laborers?

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My husband and I were recently discussing the condition of the church today and its lack of laborers. Over the years, we’ve observed how many have become complacent—sitting on the pews, expecting to be moved by the preacher without truly engaging. Once they leave the church, they return to their daily lives, disconnected from their faith. This pattern is heartbreaking.

For years, I’ve prayed for revival—asking God to awaken the church and stir souls from their slumber. I long to see believers shine as lights in this dark world, showing others that God is alive and dwelling within us. Yet, I’ve also witnessed many who call themselves followers of Christ, content to let others do the work while they remain passive.

The Call for Laborers

Matthew 9:37 was recently preached in our church:

“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” (KJV)

The minister told our congregation to stop praying for revival because revival is already here. What we need now are laborers—people who will roll up their sleeves and work in the harvest. This has been my prayer for some time: “God, help me to be a laborer. Create a desire in me to work the harvest.” I’ve also prayed for God to instill that same desire in my fellow brothers and sisters.

But why are laborers so few? Why is the harvest field lacking workers? Is it because we’ve become distracted by the world? Have we allowed our focus to drift away from what truly matters?

We know that time is drawing to a close. Whether we are ready or not, God is preparing to return, and all the signs are there. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 outlines this clearly:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (KJV)

Let’s break down these characteristics, which are so evident in the world today:

1. Lovers of their own selves

Society today glorifies self-promotion. Social media is filled with posts that put self at the center. Rather than living a life of service, many focus on building their own brand and gaining personal recognition.

2. Covetous

The obsession with material wealth and possessions has consumed many hearts. People constantly seek more, never satisfied with what they have, always comparing themselves to others.

3. Boasters

We see boasting in every aspect of life, whether it’s accomplishments, possessions, or status. Humility is becoming rare as people feel the need to flaunt their achievements.

4. Proud

Pride has taken root in many. There’s an overwhelming sense of entitlement in the world today, where people believe they deserve special treatment or recognition.

5. Blasphemers

Disrespect for God and sacred things is rampant. We witness people mocking faith, dismissing God’s authority, and speaking against what is holy.

6. Disobedient to parents

The breakdown of family respect is clear. Children are more often seen challenging or dismissing parental authority rather than honoring it.

7. Unthankful

Gratitude has been replaced by entitlement. Instead of appreciating blessings, many complain or feel they deserve more.

8. Unholy

What was once considered sacred is now ridiculed. The line between right and wrong is blurred, and people celebrate behaviors that go against God’s holiness.

9. Without natural affection

Society has twisted what love and relationships should be. Genuine care and concern for one another have been replaced by self-serving desires.

10. Trucebreakers

People today seem quick to break promises or commitments. Whether in marriages, friendships, or business deals, loyalty is often discarded for convenience.

11. False accusers

Spreading lies or making false accusations, often for personal gain, has become common. We see it in politics, the workplace, and even among friends.

12. Incontinent

Many struggle with a lack of self-control. This could be seen in the inability to control anger, impulses, or desires. Discipline is diminishing.

13. Fierce despisers of those that are good

We live in a time where doing good is often ridiculed. Those who live by strong moral principles are often mocked or marginalized.

14. Traitors

Loyalty is rare. People are willing to betray others, even their closest relationships, for selfish reasons or gain.

15. Heady

Rash and reckless decisions are celebrated in our culture. Instead of considering the consequences, people act impulsively without regard for the future.

16. Highminded

Arrogance is on the rise. Many believe they are above others or have nothing to learn, leading to an inflated sense of superiority.

17. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God

The pursuit of pleasure, entertainment, and instant gratification has overshadowed a desire for God. People prioritize their own desires over spiritual growth.

18. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof

Many claim to follow Christ but live without acknowledging His transforming power. They go through the motions of religion without a true heart change.

19. Silly women laden with sin, led away with divers lusts

This is a powerful warning that sin often sneaks into our homes and lives, quietly corrupting. These are not always blatant sins but the subtle compromises we make, allowing the world’s values to creep into our lives.

Examining the Fruit

It’s chilling to think about how these traits can slowly infiltrate our lives, unnoticed. They “creep” into our homes and hearts, corrupting our walk with God. As believers, we need to guard against this, asking God to reveal any area where we may have allowed the world to influence us.

As Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20:

"By their fruit, you will recognize them."

The way we live—how we act, how we treat others, how we carry ourselves—speaks louder than words. Does your life reflect Christ? When people see or interact with you, do they see His love, compassion, and truth? Becoming a laborer in God’s harvest starts with examining ourselves to ensure that we are truly Christ-like. When we take on His identity, we begin to care more about reaching lost souls and less about our own desires.

Luke 19:10 reminds us:

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (KJV)

Jesus didn’t come to live comfortably; He came with a mission to save the lost. As His followers, we are called to live in that same way, seeking out those who are lost, no matter the cost.

The Urgency of the Hour: Laborers Needed

1 Corinthians 15:58 gives us the encouragement we need:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV)

Working for the Kingdom is hard, but it is necessary. As we reflect on the times we are living in, it is undeniable that the return of Christ is closer than ever. The signs are all around us, and time is running out. The laborers are few, and the harvest is ready. God is calling us to step up, not just to sit in the pews but to be active in working for the Kingdom.

Now is the time to examine our lives, ensure that our hearts are aligned with Christ, and be ready to act. The end is near, and the question remains: Where are the laborers?

Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!

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