Service
For just as each of us has one body
with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in
Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to the others.
–
Romans 12:4-5
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
– Romans 12:11
What are you doing to help others? How are you serving
people who can’t do anything to repay you? How are you growing in Christ? How
are you giving back?
We have a need for study leaders. There is a hunger
but there are few willing to devote the time necessary to be a facilitator. One
woman even suggested we send folks to another church so they could attend that
church’s studies. Seriously?!
The hard truth is that there are few workers though
there are many, many needs. Jesus said it and, unfortunately, nothing has
changed. Everyone wants to take but few want to actually give back.
We know the numbers. They’ve been repeated often
enough. Twenty percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. The saddest
part is that those who never do anything don’t see a need to do anything but
show up. They’re missing out on the satisfaction of serving Christ. And we’re
all missing out on the talents and gifts they have to offer.
Service doesn’t have to be singing or playing the piano
or even leading a Bible study. It can be something as simple as wiping down
tables after a church meal or chaperoning children during Wednesday evening
activities. Service can mean driving someone to a doctor’s appointment or
delivering a meal to a shut-in. Maybe your gift is sending cards of
encouragement or greeting people at the door with a bulletin and a smile.
All of us have different strengths and weaknesses and
those differences lead us to what we are called to do. My calling is different
from your calling. That’s how God intended it. Together we can do so much for
God. But – and it’s a big but – that depends on everyone doing his or her part.
We have a wonderful woman who is gifted at leading
craft night events. Women come from different churches to partake in a
fun-filled night of fellowship. We have someone else who leads the prayer
group. Another person serves by washing silverware after every church meal.
Some people teach classes. Others work with children or youth. And together
some amazing things happen.
We recently approved next year’s budget. The youth
department is seeing a substantial increase. Why? The youth minister and adult
volunteers have led a turnaround that has resulted in a much higher participation
rate. That’s right. Instead of falling away from church, these teens are
excited about participating. And they’re
bringing their friends.
At the children’s nativity play Sunday night, I saw acquaintances
who aren’t church members. Their kids come to Wonderful Wednesday activities.
This outreach couldn’t happen without a great many volunteers. There are bus
drivers and chaperones. There are people who provide snacks and clean up
afterwards. There are people who help with gym and singing and the Bible
lesson. So very many people ministering to children as a way of serving God.
I don’t know what you are called to do but I do know
you are called to do something. We all are. So if you aren’t serving in your
church, step up. And if you are, thanks! It takes everyone doing his or her
part to make the body of Christ truly whole.
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