I am amazed at the number of people in the church who complain that there is nothing for them to do. By this they generally mean that the elders have not given them a specific assignment. Does this excuse them from not being active in the greatest cause on earth? No!
Every member must realize that the Lord has already assigned them specific duties like helping to restore brothers who have been caught in any trespass (Gal. 6: 1) and bearing one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).
Each one of us is under the commission we call great (Mk. 16:15, 16) and hence we need to be sharing the Gospel with one and all. Why should anyone have to give this to us as a specific assignment? The Lord has already done it.
Take a look at the judgment scene in Matthew 25:31-36 and note that we are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. Do we need an assignment from the elders to do these things? I think not since our judgment is to be based upon our doing them.
What about taking the time to offer an encouraging word to that person or persons you know who are “down in the dumps” and needs an encouraging word? Surely we have enough initiative to be a genuine helper in such cases.
There are those in the hospital, rest homes, or who are confined at home who would be helped if you would visit them. Why would any Christian need a specific assignment to take themselves and their smiles to such people? And remember when you go to those who refuse to smile, that they are the ones who need your smile the most.
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16).
-Don Deffenbaugh
