ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

A Call to Service

Romans 12:11a
Never be lacking in zeal...

 

 

Pastor Ty loves to tell the story of one time when our daughter Amanda was staying with his family while Sherry and I were out of town. Their dishwasher was broken, so following the meal he said, "Okay everyone, let's clean up." Amanda immediately jumped up out of her chair, and said, "Oh boy, I love doing the dishes. Can I wash?" Their son Josh looked at her like she was from another planet and asked, "How can anyone 'love' washing dishes?" But that's "zeal", a childlike enthusiasm for whatever task is at hand.
The King James Version of our passage today presents a little more accuracy regarding Paul's intended meaning. It reads: "Not slothful in business..." Now that's slightly different than: "Never be lacking in zeal..." However, I believe it conveys the correct emphasis. We don't want to be blindly going about, enthusiastically chasing every possible enterprise. It can be a waste of time and distract us from what God really wants us to do. Rather, Paul tells us simply, "When it comes to the Lord's business, don't be lazy." In other words, when there's clearly work to be done, don't wait, get up out of your chair and lend a helping hand. Just like Amanda. But do so with an eagerness and passion to serve.

 

 

Have you benefitted by the efforts of others? When was the last time you volunteered to help in ministry? Are you involved now? God has called us to serve Him. How are you doing so?