Building Together
Have you ever watched one of those videos on Facebook where a group of strangers drop everything that’s going on to save someone trapped in an overturned car? It’s usually underwater and there is a baby. I love and hate those video. I hate that anything like that happens and I hate that they always suck me in even when I know what is going to happen. But what I love about them is they are a great reminder of when something important is at stake we must be all in and willing to help no matter what. It’s a beautiful view of what the church should be.
In the story of Nehemiah it’s amazing that everyone Nehemiah needed was already there. It reminds me that when God calls us to something that God will always provide for the need. In Matthew 6:25-34 we are reminded to not worry because our Heavenly Father will take care of us and that we should “seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness”. Or to put it another way, seek Christ and His kingdom and He will provide all you need.
God accomplishes His missions through community. We can do more and better things together than what we can do on our own. When I think about Jesus' time on earth He choose not to expand His kingdom just on His own but through others. He didn’t choose perfect, extremely gifted, or competent people, He used those who were willing and humble. Those who believed in Him and His mission. Today that is still true in the church. We need everybody all in, willing to serve anywhere there is need because they see the larger picture of wanted people to experience the love of Christ. In Nehemiah's story he has people so bought in, he even gets people to work on the "dung gate" (Nehemiah 3:14) which sounds like a crappy job....see what I did there? But seriously nobody would have probably said "I feel called or gifted to work on the dung gate". But when we see a need we should act because of our love for the mission. Not because skill, gift, convenience, or selfish motives but because of love.
Finally remember this, when we serve together we become more like Jesus. In Matthew 20:28 we are reminded that "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If we want to be more Christ like we will serve others by being generous with our time, talents, and treasure. So would you consider being all in with us at South Creek? Would you consider giving your time serving with us in one of our ministries (because we need your help)? Would you consider giving financially to our mission? . In Proverbs 3:9 it says “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops…”, what if we were to take a step of faith and give Him our “first fruits”? What if we gave Him the cream of the crop, rather than just the bottom of the pot? Maybe consider setting up automated giving through your bank or through our website and join in a mission great than yourself that is seeking to love people and help lead them to new life in Christ. Thanks for being in with us.
-Pastor Aaron