Kevin Steyer
I was reminded this week of the reality that in the Body of Christ, the Church, we all have varied gifts, talents, and resources. My only aim in this post is to encourage you to use these to your maximum ability, especially during these difficult times. I will base this primarily on Romans 12. Our country is in crisis. Thousands have died, almost a million are infected, and over 26 million are now unemployed. Many people stuck at home are facing fear, depression, poverty, and addictions. We, as the Church, have now more than ever to shine as a light in the world, and this requires the undivided devotion of every Christian. Could America see another Great Awakening? Not if those of us who have the Spirit and know the Word of God watch Netflix and play games all day. We all have a part to play if we wish to see “the glory of the Lord cover the Earth as the waters cover the seas.” If those who know and love the Lord work tirelessly for the salvation of souls, perhaps the Lord will be pleased to revive this land.
Paul writes: “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; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Are you able to declare the purposes and will of God to others? Then do so boldly.
Are you able to serve others practically? Then do so constantly.
Are you able to teach? Then prepare well, and teach.
Are you able to exhort others? Then exhort them gently but firmly.
Are you able to able to give money? Then do so generously.
Are you able to lead? Then lead well, with zeal, whether it be your family, friends, or colleagues.
Are you able to do acts of mercy? Then do so with cheerfulness.
Please take a look at that list again. I am fairly certain the vast majority of us can do at least one of those things, and do them more or better than we currently do. And even if not, Paul gives more ways we can be of service to the growth of the Kingdom:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
If you are not able to teach or exhort, or do not have money to give, or are not able to do acts of mercy, or cannot show hospitality, then do not fear. You are able to do much good for the Church and the world by your love, your prayers, your rejoicing. I am certain that in the throne-room of God, some of those closest to Him are those who did little besides cook for and clean up after a multitude of children for years, or who had so little material goods and energy, but prayed fervently to the Lord, or who suffered greatly their entire lives and yet rejoiced patiently. This type of witness is of inestimable value. When we remember the Wesley brothers, let us not fail to remember Susanna, their godly mother who raised such wonderful men of God. When we remember Jonathan Edwards, let us not fail to remember Sarah, his wife who was his home and haven. Let us also not fail to remember the prophetess Anna, who “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). Let us remember the widow who put into the offering “all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44).
It is not my objective here to cast stones at anyone for not doing enough. I only want to encourage you all, “in view of the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” And, yes, to do so more and more. We do not want the world to go back to normal. The normal wasn’t good. We had an opium crisis and a pornography crisis and a moral relativism crisis and a divorce crisis and a materialism crisis. If we just sit back and wait this out, entertaining ourselves to pass the time, we will live to regret it. So, what can you do? Can you give financially to someone in need? Can you pray more? Can you reach out to a neighbor? Can you mend a broken relationship? Can you teach someone the Word? Can you rejoice and be patient in the midst of tribulation? Can you study hard in school? Can you write someone an encouraging card?
Do not fear that after you do all these things you will burn out or not have enough for yourself: “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). If in love Jesus died for you while you were still a sinner, surely He will care for and protect you, His son or daughter, when you sacrificially serve Him in love.