Philippians 4:3
Fellow Laborers

I wonder what is in that book besides the names of saints –
Would in that book or one like it be what we were for or against?
The faithful laborers for the Lord through generations past
Have left their imprint on kingdom-history in deeds that really last.

There is labor involved in the Gospel, not only in factory or farm
Some Gospel labor has been encouraging, other times has brought much harm
To life and limb of those who went forth the message to proclaim
Brothers and sisters labored then and now, reaching souls in Jesus’ name.

To the best of their ability, those laborers work the fields
Sometimes there is a good harvest; other times little yield
But the true laborers keep at the work knowing they’re called by the Lord
They labor for the glory of God, not for personal reward.

For over half a century I have labored with some great men
Their names are now forgotten by most, they were well known back then
They were those God had chosen to suit their generation
Laboring for the Lord, they made serving Him their occupation.

Then there were those of my own age, we tried reaching to fields beyond
We had golden opportunities, now most of them are gone
The few of us who are left are more suited by our age
To shepherd the sheep and lambs, we’re not given to easy change.

There are younger laborers God is raising up today
They are more suited to their generation – they know what to say
For even the ways of expressing truth has to adapt to present youth
The methods may change a bit, but never the Gospel truth.

As fellow-laborers with this group we want to try to help
Them in their work doing what we can’t do ourselves
When they see results, either here or in other nations
We can rejoice as fellow-laborers in the triumphs of salvation.