The Christian walk is no walk in the park! We’re called to live like our Lord, who lived a life of service, obedience, and ultimately, sacrifice. Jesus warned us that the world would even hate us because it hated him first! Nevertheless, we’re still called to do good, to pray for our enemies, to care for others, and to be ceaselessly and prayerfully about our Father’s business.
This work can be tiring. It was probably tiring for Jesus at times, too! But where more and more of what we do is being outsourced and streamlined, it’s important to remember: we aren’t called to outsource the work of the Lord. We can’t always shift the God-given responsibility to feed the hungry, care for the poor, and make disciples onto our local church, missions group, or even online ministry!
This week, we encourage you to seek opportunities to be God’s hands and feet. Be the one who prays with a person, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. Minister to someone on the street who wouldn’t set foot inside a church building on Sunday. Give your time, your finances, your talents—however God may call you!—to care for someone one-on-one.
There are times when we should delegate ministering and caretaking to those who are better qualified or experienced, or when God directs us to. But when delegating is simply the easier thing for us to do, it may not be the right thing at that moment…or what God’s calling us to do.
Let’s not grow comfortable with outsourcing the work God has called His Church to do. Instead, let’s show up and say “I’m here, Father!”—and do His work heartily, knowing what a true honor it is to do so!
