“Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon’shouse. Simon’s mother-in-law was very sick. She had a high fever. They asked Jesus to do something to help her. He stood very close to her and ordered the sickness to go away. The sickness left her, and she got up and began serving them. When the sun went down, the people brought their sick friends to Jesus. They had many different kinds of sicknesses. Jesus laid his hands on each sick person and healed them all.” (Luke 4:38-40 Easy-To-Read Version)
Let me start by stating that my purpose if to present something that will benefit the universal church and safeguard against division in any local church.
At times, on Sunday mornings, we are so excited to come to worship service and be present in the special presence of the Lord, craving to experience elevated spirits within us by the exclamatory voices of praise, pouring out in the projected words sang by the choir’s A&B selections. We come yearning to do some learning by hearing a specific message sent by the Lord through His specific messenger for a specific purpose. Amen? Well, since you are agreeing, let’s do some admitting. At times, again on Sunday mornings, we are so excited to get to our favorite pew or contemporary cushioned chair that we forget the second part on the sign that hangs over many churches’ main entry door to the sanctuary. You know the sign, “Enter to worship and leave to serve.”
Let me skip all I am tempted to write and just communicate what the Lord has put on my heart about serving God. Too many times, we are over-critical of those who do not hold a position in the church or do not belong to one of the ministries of the church. Oh, they attend regularly, but they don’t show up at meetings, volunteer for projects, or assist in special events held designed for the community. Now, don’t get me wrong. I do believe that when all the people in the church have a mind to work on the projects of the church; when all the members have an understanding that their fingerprints should be on everything the church does in one way or the other, ranging from praying, to providing financial support, and to participating in making the project one that will help serve others, internal and external.
Yet, as you note, I said, “…too many times we are over-critical.” I say that because there are regular attendees, members of the church, who come weekly and are equipped for the work of ministry. They then take what they have been equipped with and serve the Lord in one way or the other, outside of the organized ministries of the church. And the result of their witnessing outside the church and never withholding that which they have been equipped with inside the walls of the church, acting aligned and in perfect harmony with the gift that God has granted them, their service has the positive result of growing the kingdom of God. Their efforts outside the formal ministries of the church reflect that in their hearts, they are taking Jesus’ words to “Go ye therefore and make disciples” seriously.
So, where do I stand in regard to serving God? Well, I think we should do what we can to be like Jesus: Serve in the church AND serve outside the church. However, if all the demands of this complex world, or let’s say creeping age, or crippling sicknesses prevent one from committing wholeheartedly to serving in an auxiliary, those persons should be appreciated for being the church after church service. Enter to worship! Definitely! Leave to serve! Absolutely! Build the kingdom. Make disciples, whether they end up at your church or another body of baptized believers.
No, I am not giving a pass to those who do not serve presently in the church and are void of a legitimate reason. Each one of us has to exam to what degree we are denying ourselves, picking up their cross and following Jesus; being one of His disciples. But if they are burdened down with so many things on their plate, they should be the church, serving God and the objective of the Great Commission outside the church.
Finally, whatever the situation, do what Jesus said! Love one another. Be blessed!
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King