Two Sides of the Same Coin
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1 Corinthians 16:5-9
5. I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6. and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may speed me on my journey, wherever I go. 7. For I do not want to see you now just in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9. for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries
Paul touches upon two key components of discipleship in this letter. The first is the importance of community – a home church. We each need a place to call home, not only in our lives, but also in our faith. Our home church is essential for the on-going sustenance of our faith, for the prayers and encouragement of our church family, and as a resting place when we grow weary of living in the world.
The other component is to seize upon opportunities for discipleship when they are presented. We are not to wait until we feel like spreading the Good News. Nor are we to refuse an opportunity presented to us. Jesus didn’t wait until it was “convenient” to do his father’s will. He did it as it was presented to him. His mission took priority over everything else. What does all this mean to us? How can we possibly live in this way in this day and time?
In another devotion I read recently the writer talked about how we so often fail to minister to others because of our lack of ability. We may not be the greatest communicators, so we don’t take the big leap and mention the “f” word (FAITH!). We don’t want to offend someone so we don’t presume to ask them if Christ is in their lives. We really aren’t supposed to talk about our faith in a work setting, so we never invite a coworker who is hurting or struggling out for a cup of coffee after work. We believe our lack of ability is an obstacle to our discipleship. He reminded me that all God requires is our availability. He can use our willingness to serve His purpose.
Isn’t that a relief!? We only need to be willing to take that step – God will do the rest. God takes our shortcomings and failings and uses them to minister to His world. Isn’t that wonderful? It’s almost another way Rick Warren would say, “It’s not about you.” Actually, in this case, it is about us. All we need to do is ask God to use us. Just put ourselves out there. He’ll do the rest. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to take care of that part of His mission – and to help us in ours.
So . . . since it is about you – if you don’t have a home church, please find one. Every church isn’t the right fit for every person. But one is out there just waiting to nourish you and minister to you. And they need what you have to offer them too. And so do the rest of us. We need the community in order to step out of the community and into the world. Two sides of the same coin. Neither works without the other.
My prayer today is that you find a church home, or spend more time investing in the one you have. And that you take that first baby step out of your comfort zone, so God can use you as He desires.
Mary
