Question: What
could be accomplished for the glory of Christ if EVERY person in every
congregation were fully engaged? What if
we suddenly all moved from the comfort of the Sunday morning pew (or our home
recliner) to a state of active participation in God’s call. It’s time.
Don’t hesitate any longer. No
more excuses. When Christ called Peter
and Andrew, they went. “Come follow me,”
Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets
and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20).
I have heard many excuses over the years as I have served
in leadership roles with my local church.
I’m too busy with work, family, grandkids, personal issues, or
relationship problems. My physical
disabilities prevent me from being too active.
I’m too shy. I’m too distracted. I’m too old. Of late, fear of COVID-19 has given many a
pass on active church participation.
What are your excuses? Christ is
calling.
Some feel they are not qualified to get involved. In his 40-day prayer challenge, “Draw the
Circle”, author Mark Batterson says, “God doesn’t call the qualified; He
qualifies the called.” Want proof? Read about Moses, Abraham, Noah, Peter,
Timothy. In Hebrews 11:8 we read, “By
faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his
inheritance, obeyed and went even though he did not know where he was
going.” Put your faith forward and
go. It’s not ready, set, go…It’s go,
set, ready!
We are each called to be servants of Christ. To seek first, His kingdom and His
righteousness. (Matthew 6:33). No excuse, including COVID-19, can impede
upon that call. In 1 Peter 5:2 we are
encouraged to, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as
overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you
to be…”. Are you responding to that
call? What if you aren’t? What blessings is our church and our
community missing out on because you are waiting? Stop waiting.
Stop making excuses. Start with
prayer, then move forward in faith to be an active participant in Christ’s
call. The time is now.
Yours in Christ,
Brian Wuerch
References
(2012). In M. Batterson, Draw the Circle; The 40
Day Prayer Challenge (p. 113). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
