A young woman was dying to finish high school. Ever since she was a little girl she just couldn’t wait to grow up. Then when she was in college, she was dying to graduate. After she graduated, she was dying to get a job to pay back her student loan. While she was working, she was dying to find a husband, someone to settle down with and build a family. Then she was dying to have kids. When her kids are all grown up, she was dying to retire. Now that she’s retired, she’s just dying. She spent her entire life chasing a dream that will soon end in eternal darkness.
More than a bystander, a believer is commanded to be an active member of the Lord’s body.
“For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5)
During a recent sermon at church the pastor shared a story about his own purpose within the church as he first joined Calvary Chapel. After about six months regular attendance, he was asked by a small group of curious newcomers “what do you do here?” His response was gravely popular among today’s church goers. After much hesitation and near embarrassment, he replied: “I go here”.
Too many of us do just that. Church is a place where we go. It should be a place where we belong. Much like our bodies, God’s church requires many parts to function, to grow.
Which part of God’s body are you? Are you a pew-rider content with a scenic Sunday morning drive to a building where you listen an inspirational message given by someone you do not know personally? If tithing is the only thing you actually do for your church I assure you, you are missing the point and may be in danger of walking off the narrow path that leads to God’s kingdom.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)
How do you glorify the Lord through your works at church? Understanding we all have been blessed according to the Lord’s plan, we need to utilize our God given talents in a purpose driven manner.
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-9)
Are you aware of the many opportunities to serve at your church? No matter your background, God has a need for you within His body. Your works are the living proof of your faith; your faith in action.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Revelation 12:13)
Those of you who are already active in God’s church deserve praises for your works. On the other hand, if you are not already an intricate part of His body I urge you to inquire about opportunities at your church where God awaits your service. If you do not already belong to a church, take the first step in becoming one with Jesus Christ by emailing us so that we may assist you in your walk toward Heaven.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for looking after us
And for keeping us from harm,
We thank you for being a part of our lives
And for leading us to the way everlasting.
Lord we pray you will continue to inspire us and fill us with the Holy Spirit
As we serve you fulfilling your mission for our lives,
Help and strengthen us as we struggle
To keep our arrows pointing toward Heaven.
We pray you will continue to walk with us along our spiritual path,
Shining your light bright upon us and those living in darkness
Helping all of us make the right choices
In this life so we can rejoice with you in the next.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
