September 2: Insight Post by Rusty Coram
Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram
I have a friend who had a knee replaced after several years of pain and limited movement. The surgery went well, and his new knee is solid and strong. Now he has another problem. The other knee is not doing well and will probably require surgery. The reason is that the healthy knee carried an extra and taxing workload because the other knee wasn’t doing its part. This same scenario affects the church too. When some in the church choose not to be actively engaged, it means others pick up the load and, over time, can get weary and worn down. In 1 Peter 4:10 we read, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” When each of us prayerfully looks for what our church needs and is ready to respond as God leads, we see an amazing community develop. At New Hope, we encourage everyone to ask themselves two questions as they think about serving. The primary is “Where am I needed?” and the secondary is “Where would I like to serve?” (Often our ministry leaders are able to accommodate both together!) Asking where the biggest needs are shows genuine care for the church and for accomplishing our mission. When my primary inclination is to serve only when and where it is comfortable and convenient, I reveal that my priority is me, not Jesus and His church. Imagine if everyone used this metric to determine if, when, and where they served. God is proud of us when we selflessly step up and take on work that strengthens His church. Others are blessed when we do... and so are we! “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor