Just as it takes every ligament to hold a physical body together, it takes each member in the body of Christ to do their part in order for the church to be strong and hold together. When each part functions the body grows and stays strong. When a part of the physical body fails to function or is cut, the body is no longer complete, therefore cannot operate the same as a body that has all working parts. The same goes with the body of Christ. When a member of the body of Christ decides he/she is no longer needed or wants to operate independently, growth of the body is stunted.
The body of Christ is made of individual Christians who are diverse in tastes, appearance, and gifts. The great thing about God’s church is that unity does not demand uniformity. The most beautiful illustrations of unity are when diverse people unite under the power of the Holy Spirit to work together for the good of God’s kingdom. Consider the twelve men Jesus chose for His earthly ministry. Could it have been a more diverse group? What was Jesus teaching us in His choice of these various persons; impulsive fishermen, despised tax collectors, political zealots?
What about the people God has chosen to be a part of the ministry of this church?
Your Church Needs You.
Some of you remember those World War II posters of a stern Uncle Sam pointing out at you and saying, “Uncle Sam wants you!” or “Your country needs you!”
Many folks responded to that challenge, going to work or to fight for their country even though they knew it would mean personal sacrifice and change of priorities. They responded because they believed in the cause they were fighting for. Do you believe in the cause your fighting for?
As Christians we are challenged to discover that same kind of commitment to step up and serve the church. We must accept the challenge God is giving us and recommit lives to being obedient servants in the church and for the church. It’s time to respond to the call of Jesus as He points His finger and says to you, “Jesus wants you!” or “Your church needs you!”
Remember your promises.
When we answered the call of Christ, we agreed to offer our lives in service to Him and to the church. Jesus prepares us by telling us it will not be easy, but He also promises that He will be with us and not forsake us. He is faithful to his word. This church has experienced several problems in the recent past and is still going through difficult times. But now is not the time to lose courage. Jesus Christ created the church, and through the work of committed Christians who loved God and chose to serve Christ many years ago, Jesus Christ built this church. And I know without a shadow of a doubt, that He does not intend to abandon us. The church is the bride of Christ and it’s a marriage intended to last…“till death do us part.” Jesus will not abandon us, nor will He allow the relationship to end. “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
Ask what you can do for your church.
Fifty-two years ago, President John F. Kennedy spoke some challenging words: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” The bold statement of challenge should be presented to the members of the church today: “Ask not what your church can do for you; ask what you can do for your church.”
Sadly, too many Christians look to the church with selfish, self-centered approach with the question: “What's in it for me?” These are not the principles on which the church is built. We are not called to be the church because of what it can do for us, but instead, we are called to be the church in order to do things for others for the glory of God.
Your Church needs you!
This Church needs you to be in regular attendance and faithful in service...to be one who comes week in and week out, season in and season out. A simple act of faithful commitment offers a beautiful testimony to those both inside and outside the church. Don’t underestimate the power of you being here in faithful attendance. And never underestimate how much you may be needed by someone in the church. This church needs you–someone in this church needs you!
Someone in your Church needs your:
LOVE: “Greet each other in Christian love.” 1 Corinthians 16:20
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7
HELP: “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16
ADVICE: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another.” Colossians 3:16
ENCOURAGEMENT: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24
REBUKE: “So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.” Luke 17:3
FORGIVENESS: “…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13
WITNESS: “… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Never sell yourself short. Your church needs you.
One of my favorite movies of all time is “It’s A Wonderful Life” starring James Stewart who played the role of George Bailey. Toward the end of the movie, George was able to see the impact he had on the small community in which he lived and to see the impact he had on people’s lives. If he would not have ever been born, he would not have saved the life of his younger brother, Harry. If it wouldn’t have been for George, many people would’ve lost their homes and been cast into the streets. And the list goes on.
Now I challenge you to look at your life. How would the life of your church be different if you were not here?
How could your church even be stronger if you commit more of your time and energy to its work?
Ask yourself this question, “What impact does my life have on my church?”
Make a commitment today to pray and ask God what He has in store for you in the life of your church.
Let’s pray…
