Want to Change Our World?

I’ve heard the church compared to a football game. Thousands of people desperately in need of exercise watching a few people desperately in need of rest perform.

Unfortunately I think that describes way too many churches today. Hundreds flock to services to watch a few exhausted super saints. Yet, never get involved beyond sitting for an hour on a Sunday.

And the exhausted “ministers” finally burn out. I know. I did.

Then the church goers leave wondering what it’s all about. Never growing closer to God or having the joy of making a difference.

I’m not really condemning anyone.

I just think we live in such a consumer culture that it spilled over into the church.

Yet, this was never God’s design.

Paul writes, “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4: 11-12 NLT)

Notice what he doesn’t say. That these leaders were given to build up the church. No he says they were given to “equip” all of us to build up Christ’s body.

Think about that. What a fabulous opportunity to be involved in helping change our world.

I believe each of us are wired up to want significance. We want to leave a legacy. We want to know we made a mark in this world and left it a better place.

And this is our opportunity to do just that.

But how?

A few suggestions.

First, realize you’ve been given gifts, talents and passions to accomplish your part in changing our world for God. You may not be out front but your gifts are just as valuable.

Second, set out to discover them. What do you enjoy? What are you good at? Have you ever taken a personality and interests assessment?

Third, find a church you enjoy and ask where you can help. But volunteer in an area you’re excited about. Then get involved.

Fourth, make mid course corrections. Try something out. If it doesn’t fit change to something that does. Or adapt the job.

Fifth, never quit. Keep growing. Keep adapting. Keep changing. Keep going.

As the saying goes:

“You can be the change you want to see.”  (Tweet)

How have you gotten involved to change your world?