James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

In the scriptures, the church is many times referred to as the body of Christ in which we are the members (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 23; 1 Corinthians 12:27). We all understand that it is not healthy and right when one of the members of our body functions incorrectly or is not functioning at all. What about the body of Christ? Do you think that its members are functioning correctly? More importantly, are you functioning correctly or are you functioning at all? These are critical questions we need to consider from time to time because it is so easy to become slack and lazy in the work we do. Christianity is not about just coming to services and sitting on a pew for an hour. It is about fulfilling your tasks and abilities as a member of the body of Christ!

Paul said in Ephesians 4:11-12, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Paul shows that there are many different works that can be done in the church. Of course, there are some tasks which are not performe anymore like tongue speaking or prophesying, but there are still many works that need to be fulfilled.

It now comes down to the question, “What works can I do?” When one obeys the gospel, they need to consider this question. If that individual is a man He may want to try leading a prayer or waiting on the Lord’s table. This should be something one wants to do instead of feeling like he has to do it.

One can get discouraged at this time because he may feel like he may not be able to do what he considers a greater and more respectful task like doing an invitation or leading singing. Therefore, one must not place greater emphasis on one task over another. We must focus on what we can do and do it! Ones like the ladies who are not authorized to take part in worship service must find out if they have the ability to teach a Bible class. This is something good for those of you who are young ladies like teenagers and such. In the near future, you may try teaching a children’s Bible class or assisting another teacher. There is so much the kids can get from you and if it does not seem that important to you, those little children are the future church, and they need someone to help them grow just like everyone else.

Maybe you are physically unable to do any of this I just mentioned. You can still have fellowship. You can still encourage. You can still do something no matter how small it may seem.

Consider the one talent man in Matthew 25. He was not given as much as the other two servants, was lazy and hid his one talent in the ground. It was not much, but he still needed to make the best with what he had. Since he was lazy, his master was angry with him and cast him into outer darkness.

Do not be like the one talent man. Be an active worker in the kingdom. Be a doer of the word. Make the most of what you can do and do not hide your talent in the ground!

Jonathan Glaesemann