“…through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith…” (Romans 1:5). There is no doubt God wants us to be involved in his will and in his kingdom. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23-24). The goal of faith is to obey the Gospel, to live in faithful obedience for eternity’s sake.
The issue, then, is not whether you should be involved, but whether you are involved. Certainly, Scripture offers positive motivation for us to be active in serving God. God’s love should motivate us to serve, as should our love for him (John 15:10; 1 John 5:3). God’s blessings are found in those who commit themselves to him (Matthew 6:33). God is honored when others see us living for him (Matthew 5:16). We will be judged by how we have lived (2 Corinthians 5:10). These, and many more reasons, provide impetus for being involved in serving God.
There are various avenues available for service in every congregation. There are other opportunities that wait to be opened. Where do you fit in? How are you involved? Do you need to find some area of involvement to begin? Can you do more in your involvement? Don’t be satisfied with the status quo, for that will only bring stagnation and regression. Have the kind of faith that will stretch out and obey, to be a vessel of service for God and his kingdom. What would happen if that was our prayer, our goal, our effort?
In heaven, we will rest from our labors, but not here, not now. Now is the time to serve, as God has blessed us. Join in the work as never before, and see what God can do through you, for you. “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).
