Moment With The Master
“Needed: Volunteers”
Categories: Moment With The MasterNext to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.” (Nehemiah 3:5)
The local church is made of volunteers for the Lord. Its success depends upon a team of workers willing to sacrifice their time and resources for its cause. It is true that the local church needs excellent leaders, but much of its success is determined by what happens at the grass root level.
During the days of Nehemiah the Jews rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem against incredible odds. These walls had been burned and destroyed during the Babylonian captivity. In the midst of their enemies, this wonderful group of volunteers had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6) In 52 days they finished the project! (Nehemiah 6:15)
Nehemiah, being a great leader, delegated the work according to families, giving each family a section of the wall for them to repair. Among the laborers were those who gladly accepted their assignment and those who were slackers. The verse quoted above presents a discouraging picture. There were some who considered themselves too good to do the work.
However, in vs. 30 we find a very encouraging example. The scripture says: After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his dwelling. (Nehemiah 3:30) Meshullam is making repairs only in front of his dwelling. It was all that was required of him. Meshullam is doing the best that he can do! Our best is all that God requires of us nothing more.
Right now local churches are in need of volunteers. Gods people are in need of a support group of truth-loving people a shoulder on which to lean, someone to help us stay focused on godliness. The world is full of those who are like sheep without a shepherd. The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. God calls for those who will use their talents to serve him and others.
So, where do you stand? Are you among the ones too good to get involved? Surely, you are among those who are willing to use your resources to the service of God.
By George Slover
