2020 Daily Devotion - Day 106

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Someone once called a pastor to say he wanted to become a church member. However, he went on to explain that he did not want to: worship every week, study the Bible, visit the sick, or serve as a leader or teacher. The minister commended him for his desire to be a church member, but told him the church he was looking for was located in another part of town. The man wrote down the address and hung up. When he arrived at that address, the man came face to face with the result of his own attitude of not wanting to be involved....There stood an abandoned church building boarded up and ready for demolition. (author unknown)

I have had a long ministry as a pastor. And through this time, I have always noticed there are a certain number of people who come sporadically, only want to sit in the pew and do nothing. They will not get involved, beyond sitting in the pew, no matter what I say or do. They just won’t do it.

I have also tried to understand why this happens. I am sure that most of the time they are just doing what their parents did. In addition, I think it has something to do with what we teach. Preaching on grace can make people very lethargic, even lazy in their walk with the Lord. In the past, the church itself didn’t help. I remember growing up in the Lutheran church, and not once, was anything asked of me. I was never challenged to do more or be more. There are probably many reasons, but these are some that come to mind.

The problem is, if everyone did this, the church would be like the one in the other part of town; empty, all boarded up and ready to be demolished. Most people can’t imagine this ever happening to their church, yet it happens all the time.

So, in this period of “The Great Comeback”, let us get out of the pews and into action in Jesus’ name. Let us do something for Christ we have never done before.

1 Peter 4:10-11 RSV
As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, asking us to do the work of ministry is truly the most amazing thing; not just pastors, but all who call Jesus their Savior. You don’t need for us to do this, for You are all powerful. Yet, You do. You ask us to be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world. And when we do, we grow in Christian maturity and have purpose in living. During this “Great Comeback”, put on our hearts where You want us to serve You in Your church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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