Have you ever set out to do a job and became discouraged because you simply do not have the tools or the know how to do it? You know it is a job that needs to be done; you know you should play a part in getting it done; but you feel handicapped to carry it out. Having an old farmhouse and my skill set (do I even have a skill set L), I have a never-ending list of projects that fit into this category.
When faced with this obstacle, what happens next? There are many scenarios that could happen. Here are just a few that I personally have encountered.
Scenario 1: I see the task that needs to be done, determine I can’t do it, feel overwhelmed by it, let it go undone and watch as the need grows more critical. My sense of inability and ineptness lead me to do nothing. The consequences are an increasingly critical issue and a nagging guilt that grows in direct proportion to the growth of the problem.
Scenario 2: I reason, “I could never do this myself, I will find someone with the tools that can.” I assume that the only way something can be done is if a professional does it. This may begin with a healthy sense of humility on my part but often it leads to a lack of faith that says “I never will be able to do this.” Without trying, I put it on someone else’s list of responsibilities.
Scenario 3: I go out and get the proper tools, download or buy a manual and attempt to use it. However, as I am working I find out I still can’t seem to get it accomplished. I give up, defeated, and turn it over to someone else.
Scenario 4: I buy the necessary tools; I am confronted with the fact that I don’t know how to do the job; I battle with the pride that says, “I don’t want people to know I don’t know how to do this therefore I will do it myself regardless;” and finally, I botch the job.
Scenario 5: I buy the proper gear; I find someone who knows how to use it; I have them show me how to use it: and together, with them, I accomplish the project. I even enjoy it.
Scenario 6: I know how to do the task; I have the tools and the ability to do it; but I decide I just don’t want to do it hence I ignore it and leave it for someone else.
Can you relate to any or all of these scenarios?
God’s gracious gift of salvation has a goal in mind. Ephesians 2:10 (NASB95) says, 10 For we are His workmanship,created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. God saved us with the intention of giving us a job. Most often the job He gives us is a job that we don’t feel able to do (See Moses in Exodus 3).
What should we do?
· We should accept that God has given us the responsibility of the “work of the ministry.”
· We should determine what that work of service is.
· We should not pass off our responsibility to serve with the thought that someone else can or will do it.
· We should recognize that our work will require partnering with others.
· We should humbly accept our current limitations without giving up and seek the help of others to train us.
· We should use the gifts and abilities we have both to do the work of the ministry and to help others to learn how to do it.
· As long as we are on this side of heaven, we should remember that God has a plan for us.
· Ultimately, we should understand that when He calls us to a task, he enables us. (Philippians 4:13).
This past Sunday (February 5) we discussed our core value “Humble Partnership in God’s Work.” On February 19th we will be addressing the core value “Patient Equipping of God’s Family” Both of these core values speak to this blog issue. Together May God help us accomplish the work that He has called us to do.
Post Script:
Take note in the upcoming bulletin of the details of some “how to” training on Sunday night that will help you learn new skills in doing God’s Work. Beginning at the end of the month, our breakout sessions on Sunday evenings will include a “How to Study the Bible” class and a class on the “Six Steps to Encouragement.” Come add a tool to the tool belt and allow others to help you learn how to use those tools.
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