Telling Lies
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:3-5
Insight
We all struggle with making excuses at times, don't we? Excuses for avoiding things that are good for us, like exercising. Or excuses for overlooking important responsibilities like calling a loved one on their birthday. Nowhere do the excuses seem to come more easily than when it comes to serving at church.
"I don't really have any talents to offer." "They've got it covered without me." "My schedule is just too crazy right now." These thoughts have likely run through all of our minds at one point or another. And while they seem perfectly reasonable in the moment, they don't hold up under scrutiny.
The truth is, each of us has been gifted by God with unique abilities and strengths we can contribute, as Romans 12 reminds us. We may sometimes struggle to see the gifts in ourselves, but they are there. And those gifts matter - they are an essential part of the body of Christ. Without them, there are real gaps and needs that go unmet.
It's kind of like a windshield wiper - not something you think about often, but incredibly important for safe driving in a storm. In the same way, the way you serve, no matter how small it seems, plays a critical role in the church's mission and impact.
Of course, we're all extraordinarily busy these days. With work, family and social commitments, and a million other demands on our time, it's easy to feel overextended without adding one more thing. We all have the same 24 hours, so if we’re being honest, the issue isn't so much lack of time as choosing what to prioritize.
Sometimes our reluctance to serve stems from motives that are even tougher to confront–thoughts that focus on what we want to get out of the serving experience and how it will be of benefit to us. Rather than approaching serving with a humble heart, looking to bless others, we get sidetracked into wondering, “Is this going to be the best fit for me?” These thoughts are contrary to the servant heart God wants us to have.
The excuses we make may seem legitimate to our own ears. But could it be that we're just telling ourselves lies that allow us to stay uninvolved, on the sidelines? Because the church needs every one of us, utilizing our gifts, playing our role in the body. Let's have the courage to set aside the excuses and give of ourselves in service to the Kingdom.
Reflection
What hesitations or fears might be holding you back from getting involved? How can you overcome those barriers? Is it insecurity, busyness, doubts?
Identify these roadblocks and bring them before the Lord, asking for wisdom and strength to push past them into greater unity with the Body.
Further Practice
Spend some time journaling all the excuses you tend to make for not serving more (I'm too busy, I don't have talents, they don't need me, etc.). Pray through each of these and ask God to reveal the truth about that excuse.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we confess that we often make excuses to avoid serving and using the gifts You have given us. Forgive us for our selfishness, busyness, and fear that holds us back. Help us to confront the lies we tell ourselves that keep us on the sidelines. We ask that You would renew in us a heart to humbly serve in Your church and pour out our lives for others. Amen.