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What have you done for your church lately ? Take a minute to brainstorm and think about it. What areas do you help out in ? Who are you reaching out to ? What are the things you are good at, and how are you using those God-given gifts to help your church ? Are you a "Team Player" or a "Benchwarmer" ? The Bible has a clear message for you:
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“Get off the bench and get in the game !”
The book of Acts tells us the story of the early church. It’s really an amazing time in the Bible. Jesus had been raised from the dead, the Holy Spirit was revealed at Pentecost, and these people who had been following Jesus around for the past few years were forced to begin a new stage of life. They came together to worship, pray, and help each other. They were the first group of believers, and essentially the first church.
Can you imagine what that would have been like ? I can see them frantically trying to remember all of the things that Jesus had said. And I can see them each day going out and wanting to tell others about who Jesus was, and what had happened (assuming someone hadn’t heard the amazing story yet). What I can’t imagine is someone being a part of that early church, and not wanting to help. There must have been such an amazing excitement as they realized the important part they played in reaching the world. I can’t imagine someone showing up to meet with these believers each week, and then saying “Sorry, I can’t help. This is going to be a busy week for me” or “No thanks, I’ll let someone else help with that”.
So what is it about our churches today that is so different ? Somehow we have a lot of people who want to be a part of the team, but when the game starts they’d rather just sit on the bench.
As you read this, I’m not sure where you’re at. You may be a person who helps out a lot at your church, or you may be one of these people who sits at the end of the bench each week. What I do know is that God made you. He created you to have certain giftings that many other people just don’t have. And God wants you to help. You don’t have to preach on Sunday morning. You could do a lot of other things based on who you are, and what you’re good at. And if you’re not sure, just walk up to the pastor and say:
“I’m ready to get in the game. Where do you need me ?”
Chances are your pastor has an opening that’s just right for you.
